The COVID-19 pandemic has turned all of our lives upside down in many ways and we have all been thrown into often difficult and challenging circumstances.

There has never been a better time for us to reach out and support each other's mental wellbeing - a family member, neighbour or colleague - and start that ‘small conversation’. After all, who knows where it will take you. The power of one small conversation could change someone's day and also your own... and make a BIG difference.

Take time to support each other as colleagues, friends, managers, and let's make mental health everyone's priority today, and every day.

Anne Lloyd, Director of Human Resources, said: 

"Mental illness is a challenge, it is not a weakness. We need to talk more about mental health, and invite others to talk about it too. We talk to one another about our aches, breaks and pains, our colds – so why not talk about mental health. It needn't be tricky, taboo or feel like you're overstepping the mark.

"Why should anyone feel they have to fake being well. We should all be able to bring our whole selves to work and thrive. I encourage everyone to be brave and take action. Talk to a colleague, your manager, your team member about mental health.''

Feeling tongue-tied?

Here are a few ideas of ways to support colleagues and help to break the silence.

1. Arrange a virtual coffee morning and ask people how they are doing, encourage topics around mental wellbeing.
2. Send a colleague a message, phone them or arrange a virtual meeting. It doesn't need to all be about work - just checking in with someone and ringing to say 'hello, how are you?' can make a huge difference.
3. Managers – check in with your team and encourage other line managers to do the same. Ask staff how they are coping, what support you can offer and ensure they know to speak to you if they are struggling to manage competing pressures.  
4. Don't be afraid to ask someone how they are doing. You don't have to be an expert if they do want to open up - often a friendly ear can make a big difference.

Read more about Time to Talk Day 2021 on the Time to Change website.

Posters

There are a number of Time to Talk posters available which can be displayed in workplaces. We've downloaded our favourites onto our Bradnet article, or if you don't have access you can find a full range on the Time to Talk website.  

When was the last time you checked-in with a colleague?

Check-In is a new campaign aimed at preventing staff suicide.

It is being led by organisations across West Yorkshire and Harrogate and aims to prevent the tragedy of staff suicide by promoting a wellbeing culture and encouraging conversations around suicide and mental health.

Join the Living Well 20 minute movement!

Are you joining the 20 Minute Movement? 

It's simply about getting everyone moving for 20 minutes or more each and every day. 

No fancy gyms. No fancy trainers. No expensive equipment.

You could break up your 20 minutes and do 10 minutes in the morning and another 10 minutes later on. It's that easy. Joining the movement is about making a promise to yourself that moving more can help you feel better about yourself.

Living Well has teamed up with some amazing local people to show just how easy it is to be more active.  You can see what they're doing for the 20 Minute Movement on billboards and posters around the district and also on social media (@MyLivingWell1)

You can also find lots of information, ideas and tips to get you started on our website, visit us at:

www.mylivingwell.co.uk