For Time to Talk Day on 1st February 2024, we’re bringing people and communities together to have the nation’s biggest mental health conversation.
Time to Talk Day is delivered by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, in partnership with the Co-op. Find out more at timetotalkday.co.uk
This year’s theme for Time to Talk Day is ‘what I really mean’.
Why talking is important
1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year. And the cost of living crisis is only making it harder to look after our mental health – the poorest fifth of the population are twice as likely to develop a mental health problem.
Sometimes it’s easier to tell people we’re ‘fine’ than it is to say how we really feel. But talking openly and honestly can be the first step towards better mental health.
There are lots of ways that you can do this, including:
- Asking someone how they are. If they’re “fine”, check again
- Tell your hobby group, club or community group that it’s Time to Talk Day, and start a conversation about mental health. If you’d like to find a new club or group, Linking Leeds can help
- Post about Time To Talk Day on social media using #TimeToTalk
- Phone or message a friend or family member
- Create some art about mental health (you don’t have to be an artist!)
There are many more ideas on the Time to Talk Day website. Try the Talking Tips, True or False activity, Bingo card or the fun conversation starter folded paper ‘fortune teller’.
Are *you* OK?
It’s not always easy to start a conversation about mental health if you struggle to open up yourself.
Our services can help you start conversations about your own mental health in a safe environment. Some of our services include:
Peer support
Peer support means people supporting each other by using their shared personal experiences. Upcoming courses includes Open Minds, which has been designed with and for LGBTQIA+ people for whom identity has an impact. There is also a support group for anyone aged 18+ starting from 19/02/24. Learn more about our upcoming peer support sessions.
Counselling
We offer a low-cost counselling option, starting at £12.50 per session. Counselling allows you to discuss challenges with a professional in a safe and confidential environment.
Inkwell
Sometimes it’s easier to talk about your mental health side by side rather than face to face. If having a specific conversation about mental health feels daunting to you, why not try one of our creative wellbeing sessions with Inkwell Arts? There is a well documented link between creativity and wellbeing, and you don’t have to be ‘good at art’ to get involved. See Inkwell’s upcoming sessions here.
Money & Me
Even if you feel able to have a conversation about your mental wellbeing, money issues can be a different matter. With so much shame and stigma still surrounding when we experience financial difficulties, it can be difficult to open up. Our financial wellbeing service, Money & Me, looks at how money affects your mental health (and vice versa) and helps you improve your money management.
Other services
We have lots of other services, which you can browse here. If you’re not sure what’s right for you, feel free to get in touch on 0113 305 5800 or email info@leedsmind.org.uk, and one of our friendly team will be happy to help.
Mindwell is an excellent resource to find all the different types of support available across Leeds.
The more conversations we have about mental health, the better life is for everyone. Time to Talk Day is the perfect opportunity to start a conversation about mental health.
