As we continue through the latest lockdown, it’s important we continue to be kind to ourselves and to others – take time to talk. One in four people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year and there’s no surprise that the challenges we’ve faced over the last 12 months have affected us all in one way or another. This month, in support of Time to Talk Day, we want to get everyone talking.
Did you know?
- 28% of people waited more than a year to tell their family about their mental illness
- 1 in 10 mental health sufferers say they face stigma and discrimination every day
- Approximately 1 million conversations will be held across Time to Talk Day – will you be one of these?
Tomorrow is Time to Talk Day
Tomorrow, 4 February is Time to Talk Day. This year’s focus is on the power of small, because however you have a conversation about mental health – whether it’s a quick text to a friend, a virtual coffee morning with colleagues, a quiz with your nearest and dearest or a walk with your household – it has the power to make a big difference. Who will you talk to this Time to Talk Day?
Your Mental Health Matters Factsheet & 30-Day Positivity Pledge
Equip yourself with some handy conversation starters in case someone you know might be struggling. And discover some top tips to make life a little easier for yourself in this factsheet. We also have a 30-Day Positivity pledge of things you can do to improve your wellbeing – see how many you can complete.
Do your children need additional support?
This week is Children’s Mental Health Week and GroceryAid has partnered with Kooth, an organisation specialising in digital mental health and wellbeing support for young people. The platform can give confidential online counselling to 11-25-year olds who are dependents of all our colleagues. Find out more here.
Further materials available to help your mental health
A wealth of support is available on the Greencore intranet for your mental health, including our prevention of ill mental health webinar here and factsheets and support guides here.
Random Act of Kindness Day
February 17 is Random Act of Kindness Day. Eighty three percent of people say they randomly do something kind for someone at least once a week. Are you in that 83%? Here are some examples of things you can do to really make a difference:
- Order a takeaway for your neighbour
- Support a local business
- Leave a thank you note for your postman/postwoman
- Do the grocery shop for a vulnerable person
- Send a letter or card to a loved one
- Donate to a charity
- Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while
- Check in on friends and family who are keyworkers
February photo challenge
We love to see your photos! Enjoy some light-hearted relief from life’s pressures and get creative with your camera. Using this month’s theme of mental health, show how you care for your mind or how you look out for others. Send your photos to [email protected] for your chance to win a prize!
Reach out and Talk2Us
If you find it hard to talk to those closest to you, then why not make use of Talk2Us; our confidential support service. This platform is available for you to access emotional and social support; be that general advice, a listening ear, additional care or just someone to talk to. Call 01246 385290 or email [email protected] Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 4.30pm.
Help and support with Grocery Aid
GroceryAid are available for a vast array of issues via their website www.groceryaid.org.uk or via their free, confidential 24/7 helpline on 08088 021 122.
Take time to talk and be the reason someone smiles today.