Time to Talk Day 2024
Join the nation’s biggest mental health conversation.
What is it?
Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. Happening every year, it’s a day for friends, families, communities, and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and change lives.
Time to Talk Day 2024 will take place 1 February 2024. It’s run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness and is being delivered in partnership with Co-op for the third year running. Across the UK, it’s delivered by See Me in Scotland, Inspire in Northern Ireland and Time to Change Wales.
The more conversations we have, the better life is for everyone. Talking about mental health isn’t always easy and sometimes it’s even harder to say how you really feel. But a conversation has the power to change lives.
Time to Talk Day is the perfect opportunity to start a conversation about mental health.
Why it’s 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.
We want everyone to feel comfortable talking about mental health – whenever they like. Recent research shows how important open conversations in communities are to support everyone’s mental wellbeing. Talking about mental health reduces stigma, helping to create supportive communities where we can talk openly about mental health and feel empowered to seek help when we need it.
Time to Talk Day is the perfect opportunity to start a conversation about mental health
How you can help
Have a chat
Ask how your colleagues are getting on over some lunch. Sometimes people will say they’re fine rather than say how they truly feel, just be patient.
Be patient
Some people might not be ready to talk about what they’re going through. But the fact you’ve tried to talk to them may make it easier for them to open up next time
Don't try to fix it
Try to resist offering quick fixes. Although it’s hard seeing someone go through something difficult, you’re not a therapist. Sometimes it might be best just listening.
Walk and Talk
Side by side conversations can make talking about mental health feel less awkward. Organise a walk and talk on your break to get out and about on Time to Talk Day.
Text your pal and ask if they're okay
The time and the place are key factors. Some people might not want to talk about it face to face or at work, and may prefer a text.