Time To Talk Day – Because one conversation can save a life

Time To Talk Day on Thursday 5th February is a powerful reminder that talking about mental health really does matter.

Speakers Collective is proud to come together with The Lucy Rayner Foundation, The Jordan Legacy, Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide, and Chasing The Stigma on this important day to encourage open, honest conversations that can change and even save lives.

For too long, silence and stigma have surrounded mental health and suicide. By coming together, we are creating space for voices to be heard and experiences to be shared.

From those working in prevention, to those who have been bereaved by suicide, every perspective reinforces the same truth: none of us need to struggle alone.

Maike, Jon, Katie and Harry are part of Speakers Collecive Suicide Prevention Group

Katie Irvine, Maike Mullenders, Harry Mansfield, Adrian Ellis, Eden Byrne, Jenni Swift, Luke Squire and Jon Salmon are part of Speakers Collecive Suicide Prevention Group, and wanted to share some reflections on talking about mental health and suicide.

Maike, "I really wish I had talked earlier, when I eventually did, if freed me."

Katie, "Talking matters, but finding the right person or place matters too."

Harry, "It's ok if it feels like a leap of faith to talk."

Adrian, "Talking matters, you matter, please reach out and ask for support - talking saves lives".

Eden, "Taking that first step to reach out and talk to someone you trust might feel so hard but it’s so important".

Jenni, "Talking lightens the load you were never meant to carry alone."

Jon, "Talking about suicide lifted the shame and stigma."

Luke, "Everyone should leave a light on to talk".

Talking won’t fix everything, but it can be the first step.

A check-in with a colleague, a conversation with a friend, or listening without judgement can make a real difference. When we talk, we show compassion. When we listen, we show care. And together, we show hope.

Accessing Support

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide provides peer-led support for adults impacted by the loss of someone to suicide, offering a national helpline and community groups across the UK; visit https://uksobs.org or call their support helpline on 0300 111 5065 for confidential support.

The Jordan Legacy works to advance suicide prevention, raise awareness and move toward a zero-suicide society through collaboration, education, and community action; find out more at https://thejordanlegacy.com or contact them via hello@thejordanlegacy.com.

The Lucy Rayner Foundation delivers mental health support and suicide bereavement services , empowering people through counselling and group support; visit https://thelucyraynerfoundation.com.

Hub of Hope – by Chasing The Stigma is the UK’s largest mental health support directory, bringing together thousands of local and national services to help people find support when they need it; explore at https://hubofhope.co.uk

This Time To Talk Day, let’s start a conversation at work, at home, and in our communities. Because talking saves lives, and every conversation counts.

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Speakers Collective is a Social Enterprise. We work together with a shared commitment to challenge stigma, facilitate important conversations and promote learning on a variety of social issues. Please do contact us via info@speakerscollective.org or via our contact form here.