Start a conversation for Time to Talk Day
What is Time to Talk Day?
Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation, and it is taking place on Friday 5 February 2026. It’s a day for all of us to come together to talk, listen, and change lives.
Why is talking important?
Talking openly and honestly can be the first step towards better mental health for everyone. It can reduce stigma and help people feel comfortable enough to seek help when they need it.
“The power of being able to talk about your own experiences and turn them into something positive is huge.”
Start a conversation in your community
From sharing a post on social media using #TimeToTalk to organising an activity in your workplace, or simply checking in with a friend or family member. There are lots of ways to get involved this Time to Talk Day. Here are some ideas to get started:
Text a friend to ask how they're doing
Go for a walk and talk with a neighbour
Invite a colleague for a cup of tea and a chat
Deliver a school assembly on mental health
Host a lunch and learn session in your workplace
Share a post on social media
“You’re not only helping yourself and the people around you in that initial conversation, but you’re also helping to break down barriers so other people feel more comfortable talking about their mental health.”
Talking tips
While there’s no right or wrong way to talk about mental health, the following talking tips can be useful to help you start those all-important conversations.
Ask questions and listen
Asking questions can give the person space to share how they’re feeling and what they’re going through. Try to ask questions that are open and non-judgmental, like ‘what does that feel like?’
Use positive body language and encourage them
Small verbal comments like ‘I see’ or ‘what happened next?’ will let them know you are paying attention to them and actively listening.
Don't try and fix it
Try to resist the urge to offer quick fixes to what someone is going through. Just talking can be really powerful, so unless they’ve asked for advice directly, it might be best just to listen.
Challenge myths
Mental health problems are more common than people think. They can affect anyone at any time. Comments like ‘Pull yourself together’ or ‘You’re just having a bad day’ are not helpful.
Be patient
No matter how hard you try, some people might not be ready to talk about what they’re going through. That’s ok – the fact that you’ve tried to talk to them about it may make it easier for them to open up another time. It’s important to let them set the pace for seeking support themselves.