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Time To Talk Day 2025 - Join us in the conversation

SECE Mind

The nation’s biggest mental health conversation is upon us.
This year’s Time to Talk Day takes place 6 February 2025 and encourages everyone to get comfortable talking about their mental health.

South East and Central Essex Mind is creating spaces with partners to support the local community and come together to talk, listen and change lives. There will be dedicated Time to Talk benches within your local community in the following areas:

SECE Mind CEO Dr David Sollis was excited to be marking this awareness day,

“This Time To Talk Day we celebrate the art of talking, chatting, listening and caring. The day marks the opportunity to check in on friends, families, work colleagues and even strangers. Mental health has a huge impact on people’s lives and all I can ask people to do is please, please make Time to Talk!”

For the fourth year running, Time to Talk Day is run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, in partnership with Co-op.

Each year, Time To Talk Day helps friends, families, communities and workplaces to have millions of conversations about mental health across the UK.

We want everyone to feel comfortable talking about mental health. Time to Talk Day 2024 revealed that nearly two thirds of the UK public put on a brave face to avoid talking about their mental health. And nearly half of us are less likely to open up as we don’t want to worry others in already difficult times.

But talking openly and honestly can be the first step towards better mental health for everyone.  It can reduce stigma and help people feel comfortable enough to seek help when we need it.

SECE Mind hopes that by creating these benches for 2025 we can provide a physical space and reminder to take the time to check in with others, and get comfortable talking about how we are really feeling.

How you can get involved with Time to Talk Day

There’s no right or wrong way to start talking about mental health, but you can find guidance and resources to help you have those all important conversations at TimeToTalkDay.co.uk

Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Check in with a friend over text, a phone call or social media

  • Go for a walk with friends or family

  • Grab a bench spot, get comfortable and talk with a loved one

  • Sit down for a cuppa and a chat with a colleague

You can download a host of materials to help start mental health conversations in your community, workplace or school. You’ll find posters, postcards, social media tiles, conversation starters, bunting and much more on the Time To Talk website.