Time to Talk Day - 6th February 2025
Many people keep their poor mental health to themselves. They may not want to burden others, or not have the words to express how they're feeling. They may feel embarrassed that they’re struggling to cope, or hope ignoring their issues will make them go away.
But talking about what’s on our mind can make such a difference to our wellbeing. February 6th is Time to Talk Day, the annual event billed as ‘the nation's biggest mental health conversation’. This year we're encourging people and communities to get comfortable and start talking about mental health. It’s a chance for all of us to be more open about mental health – to talk, to listen and to change lives.
What will Norfolk and Waveney Mind do on the day?
In central Norwich, we will be partnering with GoEastAnglia and Castle Quarter to get mental health conversations started. We will be supporting GoEastAnglia on the KonectBus 11C route around Heartsease. In Castle Quarter, you'll find us in White Lion Square under the spiral staircase from 11am to 3pm. At both locations, our staff will be there for anyone who wants to talk, giving advice and signposting support available in Norfolk and Waveney. At Castle Quarter, we will also be offering activities aimed at getting mental health conversations started.
In the West, our REST hub on King's Lynn high street will be hosting a chatty zone. Come along to find out about support available in the local community, chat to our welcoming staff, and take part in some wellbeing activities.
Further information about what's happening in the East will be coming soon.
What if I need more than just a conversation?
Time to Talk Day is the ideal opportunity to ask for the help you need, even if it’s more than just a chat about your mental health. Norfolk and Waveney Mind runs a range of services that support people with a range of mental health needs. See our service directory for an overview of what we offer, take a look at our Community Support Group Page and find out more about our drop-in REST hubs.
I want to get involved in Time to Talk Day, how do I start a conversation?
Getting comfortable talking about mental health can be hard. Here are a few suggestions on how to get the ball rolling:
- Check in with a friend.
- Pop a Time to Talk Day poster on your community noticeboards.
- Host a coffee and chat in your community centre.
- Put some posters up in your school.
- Run a ‘lunch and learn’ information session in your office.
- Take a look at the courses offered by our training team to support workplaces.
Resources are available for download HERE
However you start your conversation, let us know on social media with #TimeToTalk and tag us.
How can we spot signs that people are struggling?
We all use phrases that can mask what we really mean. This year Time to Talk Day is highlighting the issues that might lie behind everyday responses to the question ‘How are you?’. For example:
- ‘It’s all good!’ – sometimes means ‘I’m stressed and burned out’.
- ‘Yeah, getting by…’ – sometimes means ‘I worry about paying my bills’.
- ‘Not too bad.’ – sometimes means ‘I feel lost and alone’.
How can I encourage people to get talking?
We have advice on how to start conversations in your community, in your workplace and among young people.
I need advice on how to hold the conversation.
There's no right or wrong way to talk about mental health. But these tips can help make sure you’re approaching the conversation in a helpful way.
- Ask questions and listen: Asking questions can give the person space to express how they’re feeling and what they’re going through. And it can help you to understand their experience better. Try to ask questions that are open and not leading or judgmental. For example, “how does that affect you?” or “what does it feel like?”
- Think about the time and place: Sometimes it’s easier to talk side by side rather than face to face. If you do talk in person, you might want to chat while doing something else. You could start a conversation when you’re walking, cooking or stuck in traffic. But don’t let the search for the perfect place put you off!
- Don't try and fix it: It can be hard to see someone you care about having a difficult time. Try to resist the urge to offer quick fixes to what they’re going through. Learning to manage or recover from a mental health problem can be a long journey. They’ve likely already considered lots of different tools and strategies. Just talking can be really powerful, so unless they’ve asked for advice directly, it might be best just to listen.
- Treat them the same: When someone has a mental health problem, they’re still the same person as they were before. When a friend or loved one opens up about mental health, they don’t want you to treat them any differently. If you want to support them, keep it simple. Do the things you’d normally do.
- Be patient: No matter how hard you try, some people might not be ready to talk about what they’re going through. That’s okay – the fact that you’ve tried to talk may make it easier for them to open up another time.
Downloads
Carry on the conversation
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However you start your conversation, let us know on social media with #TimeToTalk and please tag us if you can.