Silence Doesn’t Build Solidarity: Time to Talk Day 2026

This Thursday, February 5th, marks Time to Talk Day. It is the nation’s biggest conversation about mental health and this year Mind are challenging everyone to have The Big Talk – and have conversations about mental health experiences that might still feel a bit unspoken.

Big Talk Topics

What’s your favourite TV show? Easy to talk about right? Now let’s try talking about finding a therapist or maybe you are on the wait list to talk to a therapist. Many reps in the branch have been through this. Taking the first step to find someone or waiting to finally talk to someone can be difficult. Reach out and chat to one of us today. Ask your rep about their experience or for them to signpost you to a relevant rep that can.

PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem some people get after a traumatic event. A traumatic event is when you see or experience something that makes you very stressed or scared.

The main features of PTSD are:

  • Reliving what happened to you in your mind
  • Avoiding memories and thoughts of what happened to you
  • Feeling like you're under threat or not safe

Common symptoms of PTSD include reliving what happened to you, alertness or feeling on edge, avoiding feelings or memories, difficult beliefs or feelings, physical symptoms, mental and emotional flashbacks.

Some of our reps have experience with PTSD. Please reach out to chat to us.

Becoming a new parent

Congratulations! You have brought a mini – me into the world. You are amazing!

After the excitement and challenge of bringing your new little one into the world, life can feel daunting and stressful. It’s important to find ways to look after yourself, that fit around your responsibilities and needs.

It can feel challenging to speak to someone about how you are feeling after having a baby. There is a lot of stigma around how new parents should act and feel and never mind the overload of information. The following are some tips from your branch officers and online:

  • Talk to someone you trust
  • Every moment is temporary, some more temporary than others. The challenging days will pass as will the easy days
  • Don’t overthink and drown out some of the advice
  • Build your support network
  • Sleep at every opportunity possible!
  • Go to local parent and baby groups
  • Contact specialist organisations like PANDAS, The Birth Trauma Association, Home-start.

There are policies in place to support you when you return to work. Reach out to your branch to find out and discuss what to do next.

How to Participate

You don't need to be a counsellor or an expert to make an impact. Sometimes, the most important thing you can do is give a colleague the space to be heard.

  • Ask Twice: We all instinctively say we’re "fine" when we aren't. If a colleague seems off, asking "Are you sure? I'm here if you want to vent," can break the ice.
  • The 10-Minute Break: Use your lunch this Thursday to check in with someone you haven't spoken to in a while.
  • Listen Without Judging: You don't have to provide solutions and avoid dismissive language. Even if you don’t feel it is something that should affect someone, for that person it is a challenge. Just listening shows that they aren't alone.

Signposting: Where to Turn

If a conversation reveals that more support is needed, please use and share the following resources:

  • Samaritans: Call 116 123 (24/7 free support).
  • Mind: Visit org.uk for mental health information and local services.
  • The company uses a Stream test which triggers a conversation with a manager. If this is not suitable, reach out to a rep or a colleague.
  • EAP
  • Counselling directory – a platform to find local counsellors who specialise in specific areas of counselling
  • Our Union Reps: Contact your local rep if you feel your mental health is being impacted by work conditions or if you need advice on "Reasonable Adjustments" under the Equality Act.

Let’s look out for one another this Thursday. A small conversation can be the start of a big change.