Commuters and travellers at Chelmsford train station are being encouraged to take time to talk to each other to support their mental wellbeing.
The annual ‘Time to Talk Day’ will be taking place on Thursday 6 February and local mental health charity, Mid and North East Essex Mind has teamed up with Greater Anglia to get the people of Chelmsford talking.
Ginny Idehen, CEO, Mid and North East Essex Mind, says: “Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. It’s a day for friends, families, work colleagues, communities and even strangers on a platform, to talk, listen and maybe even change a life. The day is also an opportunity for people to be open to the idea of having a chat, many people suffer from loneliness and having a natter can really brighten someone’s day.”
Mid and North East Essex Mind has also offered a few top tips on how to open-up, chat and listen to others about their mental wellbeing. Ginny explains: “If someone does want to talk about their mental health the best advice is to listen and ask open, non-judgmental questions, encourage them to chat, don’t offer quick fixes – it really is best just to listen. Finally, avoid coming out with cliches like ‘pull yourself together’ or ‘you’re just having a bad day’, and be patient.”
For more advice on conversation starters and how to talk to someone about mental wellbeing, visit the Time to Talk Day website – www.timetotalkday.co.uk.
Georgia Payne, Greater Anglia’s Safeguarding and Community Safety Manager, said: “Talking openly and honestly can be the first step towards better mental health – Greater Anglia is therefore proud to have teamed up with Mid and North East Essex Mind ahead of Time to Talk Day 2025.”
To find out more about Mid and North East Essex Mind go to: www.mnessexmind.org
