TIME To Change are hosting a ‘virtual champions panel’ this year to help support those who are suffering from poor mental on Time To Talk Day.

The 18-month organisation, known for its ‘Chit Chat Chairs’ event in Golden Square Shopping Centre, has moved the majority of its work online. They have world class guests such as leading American blogger for the Brain Health Arena, Debbie Hampton who previously tried to take her own life after decades of depression. The guests share their knowledge and experiences on how they have combated living with loneliness and other mental health problems.

Pip Horny, project coordinator said: “It is about the small changes in people’s lives to help deal with this. It is about making an effort to smile at people day to day like your postman or waving to your neighbours. It is these small things that make a big impact.

“We eventually want our champions in the Golden Square all year round where people can come and talk to a friendly face. Our focus on Time To Talk day will be on positive strategies; just little things to help cope during covid times.”

Events such as these have proven to be very beneficial over the previous lockdowns.

Trainee educational psychologist, Kiayah Nolan said: “I have definitely seen the effects lockdown has had on young people, with schools closed they have been away from their friends for so long. I think everyone has felt little bits of loneliness here and there throughout these times, but I find that technology has been a saving grace.

“I have also used mindful and meditative techniques with the young people I care for, to calm the mind and not be at mercy to emotions like loneliness. It really works.”

The day will run very different this year but is said to be no less significant.

According to Awarenessdays, mental health problems affect one in four people and people are still afraid to talk about it.

Dealing with poor mental first-hand through his mental health nursing studies, Daniel Larkin, 26 said: “Working closely with patients on the ward was a real insight into how lonely people get. Patients who would regularly see family, ended up distressed when their visits stopped and led to some being really violent. There needs to be more online support as I found social media was a big help to facilitate these visits and help put my patient’s mind at ease.

"Some of my patients have resorted back to drugs and a lot of positive work has been undone because of this. Patients know we are going home to our families and resentment is starting to build; causing friction between staff and service users which destroys that key engagement to help them on their road to recovery.”

Time To Change believe in 'the power of small' as they say small conversation about mental health can make a big difference. They are encouraging everyone to check up on their loved ones and ask how they are doing.

If you would like to get involved with Time To Talk day on February 4 sign up via time-to-change.org.uk/time-to-talk-day-2021