Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. Happening every year, it’s a day for friends, families, communities, and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and change lives.
NHS Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is urging people to remove the stigma around mental health and take this opportunity to start a conversation and talk. It could be opening up to a friend, relative or colleague, or by contacting one of the services available to people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
This year Time to talk day is on Thursday 1 February. The national campaign is run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.
Sonya Mclean, Senior Programme Manager in Mental Health Crisis Care for NHS Hampshire & Isle of Wight said: “Mental wellbeing is one of the priorities for the NHS across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Our aim is to prevent mental ill health, promote positive mental wellbeing and reduce death by suicide irrespective of anyone’s circumstances.
“This is a great opportunity to make a positive step forward by talking to someone about your mental health. The more conversations we have, the better life is for everyone. Talking about mental health isn’t always easy and sometimes it’s even harder to say how you really feel. But a conversation has the power to change lives.
“If your life is at risk right now and you feel you might attempt suicide or have seriously harmed yourself - call 999 or head to your nearest Emergency Department. Mental health emergencies are serious and you are not wasting anyone's time.”
A short video of Sonya Mclean discussing Time to Talk Day can be found here: https://youtu.be/eVQoTw70IVg
If you or someone you know in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight needs support, please see details of the services available below:
NHS 111 mental health triage
The NHS111 mental health triage team provides mental health support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to people of all ages across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
You can contact the NHS111 mental health triage team by visiting 111 online, or by calling 111.
Kooth - www.kooth.com
Kooth offers an online counselling accessible and support for emotional well-being for children and young people (11-25 years). It is free, confidential, anonymous and safe. Counsellors are available from 12 midday to 10pm on weekdays and 6pm to 10pm at weekends, every day of the year on a drop-in basis.
Shout text service
Shout offers help, anytime (even at night), and you can text them for support. Anyone in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight can text ‘HANTS’ to 85258 to speak by text with one of Shout's trained volunteers. Texting is anonymous and will not show up on your phone bill.
NHS Talking Therapies (previously iTalk)
Hampshire
NHS Talking Therapies Hampshire (formerly italk) provides free treatment to people suffering from common mental health problems including depression, anxiety and stress.
Further information about the service can be found here: Hampshire NHS Talking Therapies
Isle of Wight
NHS Talking Therapies is also available for residents on the Isle of Wight. They are based at The Gables, Halberry Lane, Newport and offer appointments via telephone, through an online video platform and face-to-face. Further information can be found here: Isle of Wight NHS Talking Therapies
Southampton
In Southampton, Steps to Wellbeing provide NHS Talking Therapies to people registered with a GP in Southampton. More information, including how to self-refer, can be found here: Steps 2 Wellbeing
Portsmouth
NHS Talking Therapies is also available to people living in Portsmouth. Further information about the Portsmouth service can be found here: Talking Therapies Portsmouth
Further information about Time to Talk Day 2024 can be found here: Time to Talk Day 2024