Time to Talk Day 2025 encourages open conversations on mental health

 

Time to Talk Day 2025 takes place today across Wales, encouraging people to have open conversations about mental health in their communities.

Led by Time to Change Wales, Adferiad, and Mind Cymru, and supported by the Co-op, the campaign aims to reduce stigma and help people feel more comfortable discussing their mental wellbeing.

Why Talking Matters

Recent figures from Time to Talk Day 2024 found that nearly two-thirds of people in the UK put on a brave face to avoid talking about their mental health, while almost half say they don’t open up because they worry about burdening others.

A spokesperson for Time to Change Wales said:
“Having conversations about mental health can make a real difference. Whether it’s chatting with a colleague, texting a friend, or sharing a moment with family, talking can help break down stigma and encourage people to seek support when they need it.”

How to Get Involved

This year’s campaign encourages people in Wales to start conversations in ways that feel right for them, such as:

• Texting a friend to check in
• Having a chat over a cuppa
• Going for a walk with a loved one
• Sharing a message on social media using #TimeToTalk

For those supporting someone who opens up, Time to Talk Day organisers suggest:

• Asking open questions like “How does that affect you?”
• Listening without offering quick fixes unless advice is requested
• Being patient, as some people may not be ready to talk straight away

The campaign was first launched in 2014 by Time to Change, a movement originally led by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness to challenge mental health stigma.

Today, Time to Talk Day remains the UK’s biggest mental health conversation, with thousands of people across Wales expected to take part.

A spokesperson added:

“You don’t need to be an expert to have a conversation about mental health—just being there to listen can make all the difference.”

To mark Time To Talk Day 2025, Acas Head of Inclusive Workplaces Policy, Julie Dennis, has this to say:

“Time To Talk Day is a great opportunity for employers to raise awareness of well-being at work and to be approachable and available for workers that want to talk about their mental health.

“Taking the time to talk openly about mental health can avoid problems building up and lead to improved morale at work. It might be difficult for someone to talk about their mental health so it’s important for managers to be respectful, supportive and reassuring.”

Acas has some top tips for employers on talking about mental health at work:

• Be approachable, available and encourage team members to talk to you if they’re having problems;
• Keep in regular contact with your team to check how they are coping;
• Address any individual communication preferences such as asking team members if they prefer to talk face to face, over the phone, through video meetings or by email;
• Respect confidentiality and be calm, patient, supportive and reassuring if a staff member wants to have a chat about their mental health; and
• Look after your own mental health and get support if you feel under more pressure than usual. This support could be a colleague at work, a mental health first aider or a counsellor.