A CARE provider has pledged to tackle the stigma around mental health.

Bluebird Care, based in Braintree, has joined Time to Change to raise awareness of mental health issues.

Mark Topps, registered manager at the provider in Great Square, has been made a Mental Health Champion alongside care co-ordinator, Carrie Jackson.

Mr Topps said: "We look after a number of customers in their own home and from getting to know them it is clear that a number of people have lived with or are living with mental health problems.

"There is still a huge stigma associated to this which worries me that they may feel isolated and unable to talk to anyone.

"I hope by becoming a mental health champion both me, Carrie and the staff at Bluebird Care are able to break down the barrier of mental health, and reduce the stigma so that people can be open and upfront instead of suffering in silence."

Visit www.time-to-change.org.uk/