Creating an open and understanding community allows those of us with mental health problems to feel seen and heard. It doesn’t take much to show someone you’re there and willing to listen. Here are just a few ways to start your conversation on Time to Talk Day.

Tea and talk

If you have access to a public space like a community centre or an office reception, you could host a drop-in tea-and-talk event. A relaxed setting can help people to chat about important subjects. Download a poster to promote your event here.

Walk and talk

Sometimes it’s easier to have a conversation when you’re being active. Why not arrange a walk-and-talk event for people in your community? You could give people conversation cards to break the ice and help them start a conversation about mental health. Take a look at our talking tips for your event.

Think outside the box

The most exciting thing about Time to Talk Day is the creative ways people use to start their conversations. In the past, people have made fortune cookies with mental health facts inside. They have written and shared poems, put on music or comedy gigs. Others have reached out to someone they’ve not heard from in years or made cakes for a neighbour. Whatever you’re comfortable doing, Time to Talk Day is a chance to get people talking.

Rock painting

Find some stones and get painting. Use colours, words or illustrations to transform each stone into a conversation starter, taking inspiration from some of our campaign materials. Once dried, you can hide your stones in a local park or community space. The aim is to encourage those that find the stone to start a mental health conversation. If you include #TimeToTalk, they may even share their discovery on social media.

Draw what makes you happy

Arts-and-craft activities are a great way to start conversations. People can draw or write down anything that makes them happy. You can do this in person or on a video call. If you’re using Zoom or Teams, you can try out the share screen option and take it in turns to draw. Once you’ve all had a go, you can talk more generally about mental health. You can share your finished artwork on social media using #TimeToTalk.