IT'S GOOD TO TALK...

Our industry is built around conversations; whether those are the daily ones we have with journalists and influencers, catch ups with our clients, or the dialogue we create with consumers by building campaigns that resonate with them – conversations are happening all around us.

But do we always take the time to really talk to each other? And then properly listen? Yes, we all like a good natter in the kitchen whilst making a cup of tea. And we’re used to the standard refrain of “How are you?”, “Busy, you?”, “Yeah, busy!” - but sometimes you need to dig a little deeper.

At Tin Man we want to help break the silence and end the stigma around mental health. Statistically, one in four of us will be experiencing a mental health problem at any one time. Nine in ten people who have experienced a mental health problem have faced negative treatment from others as a result. Given the current climate it is likely that a significant number of people will feel worried and for those with existing conditions such as anxiety and OCD it could act as a trigger. With uncertainty around social distancing, the virus itself and the economy it means it’s more important than ever to talk and help others talk too.

That’s why we have signed the Time to Change Employer Pledge. This is a commitment to change the way we think and act about mental health at every level of our company.

In order to sign the Pledge, we have submitted an action plan including training programmes for all staff, creating mental health Workplace Champions and ensuring our policies run through everything we do from recruitment, to inductions and reviews.  

We recently kicked off a series of ongoing initiatives around mental health, running a session on the topic and encouraging staff to simply have a conversation. As a small company in an open plan office, we’re a pretty tight knit bunch but allowing people the space to know it’s ok, not to be ok and to talk freely was so empowering. It was clear to see just how many people are affected by mental health issues directly or indirectly, from either their own or family and friends’ experiences. 

No-one should be made to feel isolated or ashamed when it comes to mental health so there’ll be lots more to come on this topic as we share our experiences and stories.

The more conversations we have, the more barriers we can break down. And don’t forget the power of those three little words – “Are you ok?” and the impact that being willing to really listen to the answer can truly have.  

And now more than ever, in this time of uncertainty, the importance of conversation is vital. Whether by phone calls, virtual calls, letters, postcards, emails or WhatsApp we’ll be looking out for one another in the days and weeks to come. Whilst we may be physically distancing, we’re committed to staying connected.

Time to Change is England’s biggest programme to challenge mental health stigma and discrimination and is run by the charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness. For more information or resources go to https://www.time-to-change.org.uk

If you are worried about your mental health at any point or during this time of self-isolation, please talk to someone and visit the Mind website for helpful tips and support.

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing