YOUNG people with first-hand experience of mental health challenges in Oxfordshire have called on employers to open up the conversation at work.

Local charities, schools and businesses held events on Thursday to mark Time to Talk Day, a national drive to get as many people as possible talking about mental health.

One in four people will face a mental health problem at some point in their life and since it launched three years ago the campaign has sparked millions of conversations.

Student Josh Kaye, 20, from Deddington, runs a blog to improve people's understanding of the issue after facing anxiety, depression and an eating disorder as a teenager.

He said: "Anxiety feels like you are in the spotlight and everyone is looking at you. If someone laughs, they're laughing at you.

"About 13 months ago I didn't leave the house or speak to anyone for about seven months. Friends thought I had disappeared.

"On the blog I talk about everything I've been through and have had emails saying 'Thank you for speaking out'. If you don't speak about it, you're giving it strength."

While studying for a degree in computer science at Northampton University Mr Kaye is also holding down two jobs to get by.

He said: "When I started running the blog I had a job in a restaurant and found it hard, and I actually left the job.

"Employers should have a better understanding that people have down days; they're not going to necessarily be less productive, but won't want to speak as much."

Among the Oxford businesses to get involved with Time to Talk Day was ticket sales firm WeGotTickets, based in Ferry Hinksey Road.

Staff set up a new area filled with wellbeing resources, with positive messages posted on post-it notes around the office and feel-good songs playing all day.

Client and customer support worker Tannah Collier, 27, who has also been affected by anxiety, co-ordinated efforts at WeGotTickets - the first time it has marked the day.

She said: "Customer services can be really stressful, dealing with difficult phone calls and people. I know there's nothing to be anxious about but my body doesn't know that.

"The more I have talked to colleagues the more I have realised I'm not alone.

"I've always been open with friends and family but work is a big step. Breaking that taboo is important.

"Employers should make sure people know they can talk to someone, and that it's worthwhile. Be proactive and make a point of saying 'Please do speak up'."

Time to Talk Day is organised by charities Rethink Mental Illness and Mind and since 2014 has been supported by the NHS and the charity sector.

Oxfordshire Mind held a coffee morning with other local businesses at its Oxford office on Thursday with activities, games and cakes.

Spokeswoman Amelia Jones said: "One in four of us will experience a mental health problem but many of us are too afraid to talk about it.

"Challenging stigma is a huge part of our mission at Oxfordshire Mind, so we are in full support of the Time to Change campaign."