Time to Talk Day 2023

Today is Time to Talk Day, the nation’s biggest mental health conversation, and we’re all being encouraged to come together with family, friends and colleagues to talk, listen and change lives. 

Launched in 2014 by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, in partnership with the Co-Operative supermarket, Time to Talk Day is an opportunity to promote the importance of talking about mental health and having open conversations. This year we are being encouraged to start that all-important conversation and make a change to someone’s life.

What can we do?

It doesn’t have to be a big gesture, picking up the phone to a friend or sending them a text might be all it takes to provide the support they need. The more we talk about it, the easier life is, particularly for those who may be struggling with mental health.

Wellbeing and mental health in the workplace

In the workplace many of us can feel there is an expectation to appear to be resilient and as a result, there can be a fear around sharing anxieties. This can ultimately be at the expense of our own mental health.

EEAST support for mental health and wellbeing

Here at EEAST your wellbeing is a priority, and there are increasing sources of support and information options available. If you need to speak to someone there is help available:

If you or a colleague is in crisis or require crisis support the following helplines are available 24/7:

• EEAST Crisis Helpline - 0808 196 2370
• TASC Crisis Line 24-hour Suicide Prevention Service for UK Ambulance Staff - 0300 373 0898

If you or a colleague is not in immediate crisis/at risk:

• Speak to your local EEAST Wellbeing Champion. Wellbeing Champions are available now to have that chat and to signpost to support services. Contact Julia.Sinclair-Brown@eastamb.nhs.uk for details on Wellbeing Champions in your locality.
• Speak to a TRiM practitioner if you or a colleague have experienced or are experiencing trauma. Contact our EEAST TRiM programme (trauma support) on TRiM@eastamb.nhs.uk Someone is always here to help.
• Speak to your line manager. If you feel comfortable talking to your line manager, they can offer support in the workplace and help to signpost onto support services.
• Visit the EAST24 online Wellbeing pages. Find our information about EEAST Occupational Health and other support services here.
• Explore ways to Increase your own resilience. Try new approaches to protect your own wellbeing using preventative tools such as our EEAST Five Ways to Wellbeing guide.

Your wellbeing is of paramount importance, and we are working hard to expand the range of wellbeing information and support available. Watch this space for news of further initiatives coming online.

The Wellbeing Team

Published 2nd February 2023