It's Time To Talk

In partnership with Guernsey Mind 

Time to Talk Day is all about encouraging us to start a conversation about mental health, and it's something we can do every day. It's about creating a supportive community by encouraging friends, families and colleagues to come together to talk, to listen and to change lives.

There are already quite a few ways to start the conversation here in Guernsey, but to make life easier for you we've compiled a list - of course! - of ideas to help you to reach out and make those connections.

We all have mental health. By talking about it, we can support ourselves and others.

 

 

1.  Talking Café

Talking Cafés bring people together for a chat and a cuppa, courtesy of Health Connections. Pop in for a friendly conversation and find out about other activities, support groups and services in our local community.

These informal get togethers take place at various venues throughout the week. There's no need to register, just turn up on the day, and there is no obligation to buy anything more than a cuppa in the café.  

 

2.  Walk and Talk

Join the growing group of islanders who get together on a Sunday morning to Walk and Talk with the local Red Balloons walking group. 

There's no cost and no need to book in advance. Everyone is welcome, just turn up and enjoy a walk at a gentle pace, where you can talk as much or as little as you want. There's no pressure. Contact the local organiser, Jason Hamon, for details of the next walk.

 

3.  Banter Breakfast

The Royal British Legion supports serving military personnel, veterens and their families here in Guernsey, and their welfare team hosts Banter Breakfasts on the first Saturday of every month. Meet with other people from the Guernsey Armed Forces Community and enjoy a chat over a buffet breakfast or a full English. If you'd like to find out more, call the welfare team on 07839 774863.

 

 

4.  Catch Up With a Friend

Sometimes we simply need a reminder to pick up the phone and get in touch with friends and family, but a quick chat really can help to life your spirits and could be just what the person on the other end of the call needs too! 

Whether it's a long distance call or a message to arrange a walk, reach out and let your friends and family know how you are feeling so you can support one another in times of need.

 

5.  Hope Singers

Ok, we know this is more about singing than talking, but there's definitely time for a chat between the songs with the Hope Singers all inclusive community choir.  And the good news is that you don’t need to have the voice of an angel to join, it's a supportive and safe space for locals to connect and enjoy their love of music and signing.

It's a free event and everyone is welcome to join in - no audition necessary!

 

If you're concerned about your mental health, you're not alone. 2 in 3 people will have mental health needs at some point in their lives. You can reach out to your GP, or get in touch with Guernsey Mind for details of support and services you can access locally if you need to talk to someone you trust who might be able to help.

You might also want to take a look at Where to Find Mental Health Support in Guernsey.