Time to Talk Day at Park Lane Stables brings people together.

Park Lane Stables in Teddington will host a Time to Talk Day on Friday to encourage open conversations about mental health; founder Natalie O'Rourke and volunteer Naomi Ghafoor say the event offers a low-pressure community space for visitors.

Park Lane Stables in Teddington will hold a Time to Talk Day on Friday. The event offers tea, a pony cuddle and informal conversation. Organisers say the aim is to encourage open discussions about mental health and to reduce stigma and social isolation. Founder Natalie O'Rourke and a team of volunteers help provide a low-pressure space for anyone who wants to attend. Key details: - The event is described as a safe, low-pressure space intended to promote conversations about mental health and wellbeing. - In recent years the gatherings have attracted dozens of visitors who came for tea, a pony cuddle and a chat. - Founder Natalie O'Rourke is quoted as saying there is no expectation to discuss mental health and that the space allows people to be their true selves. - Since 2024, Naomi Ghafoor, a Riding for the Disabled Association participant and mental health activist, has volunteered to help facilitate the Time to Talk Day events. - The article notes the statistic that around 1 in 4 people experience mental health difficulties in a given year, which organisers cite to underline the event's community purpose. Summary: Organisers report the event aims to reduce social isolation and foster connections through informal conversation and shared time. Naomi Ghafoor's volunteer role is reported to support facilitation and peer connection. The next scheduled instance is the Friday gathering at Park Lane Stables.