Time to Talk Day

Time to Talk Day 

What is Time to Talk Day:  

Organised by ‘Mind’, ‘Rethink Mental Illness’ and ‘Co-op’, ‘Time to Talk Day’ is a day to encourage open conversations about mental health. Everyone has mental health and yet is still something people are not comfortable talking about.  

It is held on the first Thursday of February every year and this year, “Time to Talk Day” will be held on Thursday 5th February.  

 

We’re joining the national ‘Time to Talk Day’ movement here at Bucks, reminding you that everyone has mental health, and that we are here to listen, whether that’s at crafting sessions, over a coffee or chat in the lift, we’re here to support you. #GetBucksTalking 

 

The stats: 

• 1 in 4 people experience a mental health problem each year.  

• Nearly 20 million adults in the UK don’t speak about mental health.  

• 2 in 3 people will put on a front or ‘brave face’. 

• Almost half of people won’t open up to someone, if they think it will cause them to worry.  

• A third of people in the UK would rather not talk about their mental health than risk an ‘awkward’ conversation. 

• Four in Ten people have said they have stopped socialising, or pushed away friends and family because they would prefer to be quiet about their mental health.  

• 20% say that not talking about their mental health is causing them to struggle at work or school. 

• 72% of people share there is at least one factor (fear of judgement and labels, fear of burdening others, feeling that no one truly understands) that makes them uncomfortable when talking about their real feelings.  

• Talking about mental health reduces stigma and builds a supportive community. 

• Starting a conversation helps to empower those seeking support. 

 

Why does it matter?  

Having a conversation about mental health has many benefits. It can improve your own mental health; it can also reduce stigmas around the topic and help make those seeking help feel empowered to reach out. Open and honest conversations can show someone else that they are not alone and break down pre-emptive barriers. Talking about mental health shows others that they can talk to you about their mental health too. It shows that you are understanding and ready to listen, without judgement.  

 

What do I talk about?  

There is no right or wrong way to have a conversation. It’s important to remember that whilst the day is about encouraging conversations about mental health, it is not about encouraging someone to talk about something they do not want to. A key part of this conversation is recognising when others don’t want to talk about something and not being frustrated by this. It’s almost important to remember that you are not there to fix things, be ready to listen, be open, avoid using myths, stigmas and cliches, ask questions and listen and have patience.   

You can have these conversations in a range of settings, sitting over lunch, over coffee, walking or a run. Wherever you are comfortable talking.  

You can start the conversation about a common interest such as your favourite food, drink or colour. You could also talk about the environment you are in, such as the weather, the view or something that you like.  

It doesn’t have to be much to make a difference, even asking someone what the time is, or asking how there day has been, tend to be great conversation starters!  

 

Looking for some more tips? Try these suggestions from ‘Mind’:  

• Text a mate 

• Ask your flatmates, course mates or friends to go on a walk 

• Arrange a group lunch/dinner 

• Go for a tea and chat  

• Join the national conversation on social media (#TimeToTalk) 

 

You can check out a range of resources from different charities or if you want to read more, check out the following the links  

• https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/time-to-talk-day/?utm_source=timetotalkday.co.uk-&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=timetotalkday 

• https://www.firstresponsetraining.com/time-to-talk-day-2025-the-nations-biggest-mental-health-conversation/ 

• https://www.rethink.org/campaigns-and-policy/awareness-days-and-events/time-to-talk-day/ 

 

Join us by having a conversation this ‘Time To Talk Day’ to get Bucks Talking!  

 

If you’re not sure where to signpost for support, or if you are looking for services, see the below:  

https://www.bucksstudentsunion.org/support/mentalhealthsupport/  

 

#GetBucksTalking 

 

What’s taking place on campus this year?  

At the Aylesbury Campus on Tuesday 3rd February, join us for a ‘coffee and chat session’ here you can grab a free hot drink, help yourself to some light snacks as well as talk to others. We will also have activities like colouring and anti-anxiety bracelet making. There will also be support resources (support service contacts, breathing technique cards, leaflets etc.) in this space that you can help yourselves to.  

Bucks Talking Therapies will also be on the campus on Tuesday 3rd February with a stall in the main reception, sharing information, resources, and staff to ask any questions to.  

Taking place at the Uxbridge Campus on Thursday 5th February, you can join us for a ‘coffee and chat session’. You can grab a free hot drink, some light snacks and engage in conversations with others. We will also have colouring and anti-anxiety bracelet making activities taking place that you can join. There will also be support resources (support service contacts, breathing technique cards, leaflets etc.) in this space that you can help yourselves to. 

On Tuesday 10th February, Betty (The Pets As Therapy dog) will be in Uxbridge between 12:15pm – 1:15pm. Find them in Pulse Café. Betty will also be visiting once a month (check for her next visit on the What’s On page). 

 

 

This is just one day in the calendar, and we will continue to talk about mental health and break the stigma! So ask your mate how they’re doing, text a family member, ask the staff how their day has been.  

#GetBucksTalking