Breaking the Stigma: How Walt’s Waltz is Creating Safe Spaces for Mental Health Conversations
MEntal Health Matters —
not just in June, not just for men, but for everyone, every day. That’s the message at the heart of Walt’s Waltz, an organization dedicated to creating stigma-free environments where people feel safe to talk about mental health.
In The Village, we know the strength of our community lies in how we support each other. Walt’s Waltz takes that to the next level by working with businesses, municipalities, and organizations to foster spaces where compassion, honesty, and inclusion are the norm.
Why Mental Health Literacy Matters
One of Walt’s Waltz’s core initiatives is mental health literacy — the ability to recognize, understand, and talk about mental health issues without fear or judgment. Through live presentations, interactive workshops, and even art activities, they challenge misconceptions and invite honest conversations. The goal? To make mental health discussions as normal as talking about physical health.
What It Means to Be a Stigma-Free Environment
A stigma-free environment doesn’t just talk about mental health — it actively works to create equity, understanding, and empathy. These spaces become hubs for resources and education, helping individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. By normalizing these conversations, workplaces and communities grow stronger, healthier, and more connected.
Walt’s Waltz builds these environments around six core values:
Honesty – Balancing truth and trust.
Compassion – Walking in another’s shoes.
Accountability – Standing firm in promises.
Shared Humanity – Together, we are stronger.
Inclusion – Every voice matters.
Fair-Mindedness – Navigating with justice and equity.
How You Can Get Involved
If you’re a business, organization, or community leader, you can partner with Walt’s Waltz to create a stigma-free environment. Opportunities include:
Hosting mental health educational programs, from painting workshops to First Aid certification.
Becoming a sponsor for the annual Raffle Rouser fundraiser.
Inviting a Walt’s Waltz representative for a speaking engagement.
Let’s stop dancing around mental health conversations — together, we can step out of stigma.
For more information, visit waltswaltz.com or contact susan@waltswaltz.com.