Thursday February 4, 2021
Today is Time to Talk Day – a national campaign that encourages everyone to talk about mental health.
This Time to Talk Day (Thursday 4th February 2021), colleagues across Cawarden offices and sites are being reminded of the importance of looking after our mental health.
This year’s theme is the ‘power of small’. A small conversation about mental health can make a big difference to how someone is feeling.
Too often, mental health problems are treated as a taboo subject – something not to be talked about, especially at work. However, mental health affects us all and we should feel able to talk about it.
The more conversations we have, the more myths we can bust and barriers we can break down – helping to end the isolation, shame and worthlessness that too many of us feel when experiencing a mental health problem.
One in four of us will experience a mental health problem and 9 in 10 say they have faced negative treatment from others as a result. By choosing to be open about mental health, we are all part of a movement that’s changing the conversation around mental health and ensuring that no one is made to feel isolated or alone for having a mental health problem.
Leading up to Time to Talk Day, Cawarden’s Mental Health First Aiders and Ambassadors have shared valuable mental health resources across the business. Information packs have been given to all Site Managers which included contact information for internal or external support, a Toolbox Talk and posters to prompt conversations about mental health. The Toolbox Talk was delivered across all sites this morning.
I understand that talking about mental health at work can be daunting, and there is no expectation that colleagues engage in difficult discussions. But, I want everyone at Cawarden to know they are supported and we are showing our commitment to this by taking part in Time to Talk Day. Together we can change the way we think and act about mental health and we can create a more open and understanding culture around mental health. I hope the resources shared across the business will help to prompt more conversations, not just today but also in the future.”
WILLIAM CROOKS
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Let’s start talking – Here are a few ideas:
- Ask a colleague to take a ‘Tea and Talk’ break during the day, and make mental health your topic of conversation.
- Maybe you could agree on a time with those you live with, to take half an hour away from devices and screens and ask each other how you’re all feeling.
- Or perhaps you could call, text or message 5 people you know just to check-in with them on this special day.
- Whatever you do, make sure you have at least one conversation with a friend, colleague or someone you know.
If you or someone you know is worried about their mental health or is feeling low, trying to cope alone can be very difficult. There are many charities out there who can take your call during lockdown. These include:
It’s great that Cawarden is helping to raise mental health awareness by taking part in Time to Talk Day. We have put up posters in our welfare cabins as a reminder to keep talking to each other. I’ve had my issues in life and came back through so if anyone feels they need some strength and would like to talk, I am just at the end of a phone. I can do banter but I can also stop and listen.”
SCOTT ICETON
SENIOR SITE MANAGER
Time to Talk Day is so important right now as many people are struggling more than usual. As a champion of mental health, I hope we can use today as a reminder to stay connected whilst the majority of us are physically apart. Checking in on one another through social media, a text message or a phone call might make a big difference to how someone is feeling. Let’s all listen, be more patient and spread kindness. You never know what someone is going through or how they are feeling.”
JULIET CROOKS
BUSINESS MANAGER & MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDER
The business will be promoting the day across social media and is looking for the demolition and construction industry to join the conversation on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook with the hashtags #TimeToTalkDay.
Together we will end mental health stigma.
For more information on Time to Talk Day, visit the Time to Change website.