Time to Talk Day is an unmissable event which takes place today. Importantly, it is an event which sets out to dismiss the stigma surrounding mental health and change lives; this is increasingly appropriate, especially in a national lockdown.

Without a doubt, talking is one of the best ways to help end the stigma around mental health. So, speak to people about your struggles or check in on your friends, family and colleagues – you might just offer the helping hand that someone needs.

Time to Change is a rapidly growing social movement working towards the goal of eradicating mental health stigma, one of the main things which stop people from getting help or accepting that they need support. The movement helps change attitudes within the workplace, for young people and in communities. What’s more, they have recently set up a global network, helping campaigners in other countries set up pilot campaigns.

The conversations that help don’t need to be over the top or intense, if somebody doesn’t want to open up, a regular everyday chat can make all the difference. As a lot of our interactions are virtual now, have a video call, send someone an uplifting text, reminisce about a funny moment or a holiday, send them a meme or just a simple “Hey, how are you doing?”. We wrote some more on how to help here with the support of Manchester Mind.

Over the social movement’s lifespan, its influence is undeniable:

“Our latest data from 2018/19 shows a 3.1% improvement in attitudes amongst the adult population compared to our baseline data from 2016/17. This equates to a 12.7% change – that’s 5.4 million people with improved attitudes since the campaign began.”

Statistically, 1 in 4 of us will get a mental health problem every year, this amplifies the relevance of this movement and how important it is to talk.

To lighten up your week, Time to Change will be hosting their first-ever Time to Talk virtual festival, taking place 3rd – 4th February 2021. Across the two days, they’ll be hosting an array of exciting online activities online with no tickets required. They’re providing a safe and joyful space to help people who follow the movement come together.

Don’t worry if you can’t make it, you can watch the events on their website at a later date. Find out more here.