Time to talk

Today marks Time To Talk, a day to encourage us all to open up and have a conversation about our mental health.

In a year with countless challenges, championing mental health has become more important than ever. As we all naviagate our way through these new challenges under circumstances we still find ourselves in, with a lack of social interaction and months of lockdwon, talking about mental health has never been more important as it is now.

We must take care of our mental health, just as we would take care of our physical health.

Starting the conversation to help someone doesn't have to be scary. Below are a couple of starters to help you out.

• You don't need to begin the conversation by addressing mental health. Just talk about every day life and allow the conversation to flow in whichever natural direction it takes.
• A simple text asking how someone is can make a huge difference. That person may just be ready to open up and talk and you have made the first step in allowing them to do that.
• Being patient is the most important trait when helping someone. They may not be ready to talk straight away, they may even shut you out, but gradually you could be helping to knock down the barriers.

We're very lucky to have 3 Mental Health First Aiders working across our company. Even through the pandemic and the different situations of people working from home, they are only ever a phone call away. Providing a huge support network for someone who is struggling.

Don't feel like you can't talk about it, there are so many people out there who can help!

#TimeToTalk