Upper Street’s Screen on the Green cinema has taken the unusual step of banning films today – but it’s all for a good cause.

The venue is taking part in the national Time to Talk Day (TTTD), organised by Time to Change. It aims to get people talking more openly about mental health for one day and is open to anyone.

The event will be hosted by Hoss Ghonouie, head of marketing at owners Everyman Cinema, along with Sue Baker and Jo Loughran from Time to Change.

Throughout the day Time to Change champions will be on hand to answer questions and encourage discussion.

Hoss said: “Instead of watching a film, we’re encouraging guests to come in and have a chat.”

Sue added: “People still think there’s no right place to talk about mental health, but conversations have the power to change lives wherever they take place. Too many people with mental health problems are made to feel isolated and ashamed. The more we talk about it the better.”