Talk to Us campaign: how can we support each other?
Every July, Samaritans run the ‘Talk to Us’ campaign. And every year, this initiative aims to encourage people to share their feelings. Talking through emotions, no matter how big or small, is so important for our wellbeing. For the people in our care, we know how meaningful this movement is.
We want everyone to feel safe, supported, and encouraged to talk to one another. Whatever you’re going through, there is someone to listen.
What is the campaign?
The ‘Talk to Us’ campaign has been running for a decade, aiming to tackle the stigma around poor mental health and raise awareness for loneliness.
It runs throughout July, but also highlights Samaritans Awareness Day on the 24th of July. The date represents that Samaritans operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This isn’t a small-scale service. With over a billion people living with mental health conditions, the Samaritans’ work is vital in helping people feel supported.
The core message of their campaign is that no matter how big or small the issue feels, there is always someone that is available to listen (365 days a year, day or night). It also emphasises the importance of small talk and how a simple “are you okay?” can make a real difference.
Why talking is important
Taking thoughts out of your brain and putting them into the world can make a real difference to how you’re feeling. Research has shown ‘affect labelling’ (the process of putting emotions into words), can lower activity in the amygdala, which is the part of the brain linked to fear and stress. On top of this, it can increase activity in areas of the brain linked to regulation and calm.
Talking is good for us, but talking with someone is even better. Sometimes, the people closest to us open up the least. Even loved ones, who you know inside and out, may be having feelings you just can’t see.
Taking the time to check in and start those conversations helps get everyone on the same page. It moves away from passive listening and fosters deeper connections, where listening can be empathetic, attentive, and a place without judgement.
How home care can help
Empathy, attention, and a judgement-free experience are front of mind for us at Birchwood Care Services. We see all the time, particularly in older adults, how difficult it can be to open up. Realising you’re not actually okay, and sharing something you’re struggling with, takes a lot of vulnerability. But we’re here to help with that.
We believe in genuine, meaningful interactions with the people in our care. When it comes to day-to-day activities such as cooking, dressing, and going on walks, we make sure to create space for meaningful conversations. We want people to really know our team members, as we get to know them, and realise that this is a safe space to raise issues.
We are people who will listen. Our team know to regularly check in and normalise conversations around mental health, especially for the older generation who may still be experiencing stigma.
It is normal to struggle, and it is okay to seek help. Thanks to the Samaritans, more and more people know that it is safe to reach out during hard times. When it comes to talking about poor mental health, we need to lead the way with kindness. As a care services provider, we take great pride in setting that good example. Regardless of what service you need from us, just know that listening comes first.
For more support, please get in touch.
