‘Time to Talk Day’ is an annual initiative run each February by charities ‘Mind’ and ‘Rethink Mental Illness’, to highlight the importance of mental health conversations and creating supportive communities, with family, friends and colleagues. So, what better time to take the opportunity to introduce you to our NEW Mental Health Responders, Katie Wilson and Jordan Ikin.
After completing their recent qualifications designed to teach people how to recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health decline, the dynamic duo announced their new roles at our all-staff meeting, highlighting how they plan to support staff and their mental wellbeing.
So what does it mean to them to be a Mental Health Responder?
“Covid restrictions took such a toll on everyone’s mental health and wellbeing. Although this was very negative in the short-term, I think long-term it has made people more aware of mental health and for those living with mental health illnesses prior to, and since Covid. I believe that society has become a slightly safer place to open-up and speak out.
With an increase in education and awareness, more people can identify their own symptoms and recognise if others around them need support and ways to appropriately approach them. The more we normalise talking about mental health, the more likely we can have an impact.
The stigma associated with mental health is unfortunately still around and there’s a lot of work still to be done to change this. However, if I can make a small change to help to raise awareness and support those around me, I hope these actions might make a big difference to someone in need.”
– Katie Wilson, LOVELIVE Senior Designer
“It’s been truly eye opening to learn about something that we all face in day-to-day life, yet find it hard to understand or discuss. I’m really excited to play a small part in bringing that awareness into the office, whilst ensuring that all of us at LOVELIVE have the full support available.”
– Jordan Ikin, LOVELIVE Senior Designer
The LOVELIVE team will be supporting Time to Talk Day by making time for a chat and cuppa, letting conversation and coffee flow!
For more information on Time to Talk Day and how you can get involved visit: https://timetotalkday.co.uk/about/