Time to Talk Day: Conversations for Mental Health

Ahead of Time to Talk Day on Thursday 5 February, Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust are sharing the variety of ways people can reach out and talk to others for support with their mental health.

Nationally, the NHS offers Talking Therapies which can be used to treat many different mental health problems. They involve talking to a trained professional about your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. People can self-refer to get this psychological help, but for those who aren’t ready to take that step then talking to friends and family is vitally important.

At the Trust’s most recent Annual Members Meeting, local sporting personality Dean Windass spoke about how important talking was in mental health. Reflecting on his own personal journey he said, “My advice to anyone struggling is please talk to somebody, tell somebody. It’s really good to talk because it might save someone’s life, and it could be your own.”

Reaching out for support can feel intimidating for some, but the simple act of talking doesn’t need to feel that way. Many people can talk to their loved ones, families or friends, but when that isn’t possible there are people waiting to listen.

Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust’s Recovery and Wellbeing College enables conversations about mental health to come naturally through shared activities and mindful moments. The College takes a non-clinical, educational approach to health and wellbeing, offering the space to talk while also enjoying participation in something active or creative.

The Recovery College is free to join and open to everyone, but it is particularly ideal for anyone needing support but not ready for clinical services or those are stepping down from clinical therapy. By offering a broad range of activities for people to access as and when they want to, people can take their recovery at their own pace. Classes including mindful walks, photography and Tai Chi are among those on offer but whatever people are interested in the goal remains the same – to support each other and learn ways to build positive mental health.

If you or anyone you know is in need of immediate support for mental health then call NHS 111, Option 2, or visit NHS 111 online. In emergencies, where there is a risk to life, you must always call 999.