It might not always feel easy to know what to say if someone does open up about their mental health, but it doesn’t have to be awkward and being there for someone can make a big difference, which is why Knowsley is backing the campaign from Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.

There is no right way to talk about mental health; however, these tips can help make sure you’re approaching it in a helpful way:

Ask twice

We know that people often say they’re fine when they’re not. So, asking twice is an important way of starting conversations about mental health and letting people know that you really are interested.

Think about the time and place

Sometimes it’s easier to talk side by side rather than face to face. So, if you do talk in person, you might want to chat while you are doing something else. You could start a conversation when you’re walking, cooking or stuck in traffic. However, don’t let the search for the perfect place put you off!

Some people find it easier to talk about things via text or email, and that’s fine too. If your main form of communication is WhatsApp, check in with them on there.

Talk about yourself

If you want someone to open up to you it can help them feel safe and understood if you share your own feelings. It could be as simple as sharing that you get down sometimes or sharing something that you’ve been worrying about recently. This will make it clear that you’re happy to talk about feelings and that there won’t be any judgement.

Approach the elephant in the room

If you know that someone has experienced mental illness – maybe they took some time off work recently or spoke about it in the past – don’t be afraid to ask how they’re doing. Simply asking, “how are things now?” or “are you back at work?” shows that person that they have nothing to feel awkward about.

If you think someone has been acting differently it’s OK to mention that too, if it is done in a kind way. “You’ve seemed a bit quiet recently, is everything alright? I’m here if you want to talk.” This shows that you care and opens the door for them to chat about things when they’re ready.

Don’t try and fix it

It can be hard to see someone you care about having a difficult time but try to resist the urge to offer quick fixes to what they’re going through. Learning to manage or recover from a mental health problem can be a long journey, and they’ve likely already considered lots of different tools and strategies. Just talking can be really powerful, so unless they’ve asked for advice directly, it might be best just to listen.

Treat them the same

When someone has a mental health problem, they’re still the same person as they were before. And that means when a friend or loved one opens up about mental health, they don’t want to be treated any differently. If you want to support them, keep it simple. Do the things you’d normally do.

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.

There are more top tips on the Time to Talk website.

Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Council Cabinet Member for Health, said:

“Time to Talk Day is about us all being open to the idea of talking – we all need to look after our mental health, and by having conversations about it we can help ourselves and others.

“Talking openly may lead someone who is currently experiencing difficulties to open up about this, and they may need some support, as sensitive conversations may bring up difficult things. There are lots of places to which you can go or direct people for help.

“There’s also support available 24/7 for anyone in mental health crisis and in need of urgent help.”

There are lots of places to which you can go or direct people for help.

The Better Health NHS Every Mind Matters website has a range of dedicated support, expert advice and lots of practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.  You can also get a free NHS-approved Mind Plan, simply answer five quick questions you will get a free plan with practical tips to help you manage stress, sleep better and boost your mood.

QWell offers adults over 19 in Knowsley free digital mental health support 24 hours a day, seven days a week with access to an extensive range of self-care information and resources such as an online journal and peer-to-peer support via moderated forums.

One-on-one counselling sessions with fully qualified wellbeing practitioners are also available 365 days a year, from midday to 10pm on weekdays, and from 6pm to 10pm at weekends and holidays.

Think Wellbeing offers free NHS therapy for people with anxiety or low mood, to help people change the way they feel by changing the way they think.

Available to anyone aged over 16 who is registered with a Knowsley GP, you can self-refer via the website or ask your GP to refer you.  Similar services exist in other areas for those who live outside of Knowsley.

SHOUT is a free, confidential text messaging service available 24/7 for anyone who is feeling low, anxious, worried, overwhelmed or not quite yourself. The number won’t appear on your phone bill.

By texting the word ‘REACH’ to 85258 you will start a conversation with a trained volunteer who will listen and support you to get to a calmer and safer place.

Young people in Knowsley aged between 10 and 19 years can access free counselling and wellbeing support with Kooth. The online support is free, safe and anonymous and provides advice on a range of topics. Young people can chat to the friendly Kooth community or speak to a member of the Kooth team.

Meanwhile, the Young Minds website has some really useful advice for children and young people and parents/ carers.

Knowsley CAMHS Services is a referral service for children and young people in Knowsley whose emotional, behavioural or mental health issues are causing them problems in their school, family or social life. If you are worried about your child, make an appointment to speak to your GP.

For those aged 55 and over the Silver Line is a helpline which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. It is free to call on 0800 4 70 80 90 from a mobile or landline.

Listening Ear provide a range of emotional and psychological therapies and support services for children, young people and adults.

Crisis mental health support

If you, or someone you know, need urgent help mental health support please call the NHS Mental Health crisis line on 0800 051 1508.  NHS staff will then support you to get the help you need. This is available 24/7 for people of all ages, including children and young people.

Stay Alive, the suicide prevention app (available free on iOS and Android devices), is designed to help both those who are having suicidal thoughts and those who are concerned about someone else.

It has several features including a safety plan and LifeBox where people can upload images or videos that remind them of their reasons to stay alive. The app also directs people to local help and gives people the tools to start a conversation about mental health and suicide.

It will provide creative opportunities for underrepresented communities across the Liverpool City Region to express themselves, raise awareness of their histories and explore contemporary experiences of living and working in the region.

The creative collaboration from Writing on the Wall (WoW) and Liverpool City Region (LCR) Library Services is now appealing for participants from Knowsley ahead of the project getting underway in the borough next month (February).

Different Voices – Shared Lives

Participants will take part in a series of workshops, receive mentoring from established writers, and create a publishable anthology that places diverse voices at the forefront for the benefit of future generations. These stories will be showcased in Knowsley’s libraries and a variety of settings across the region.

The project will also provide a creative outlet for underrepresented communities to improve health and wellbeing, validate lived experience, and serve as a powerful tool for change. Different Voices – Shared Lives will also no doubt touch on the communities’ experiences during the pandemic, who are disproportionately affected. With this project, WoW and LCR Library Services hope to strengthen local communities, championing new writing talent.

Cllr Jayne Aston, Knowsley Council Cabinet Member for Rescources, said:

 “We’re delighted Knowsley is a part of this project and look forward to discovering more about the history and heritage of our diverse communities. Preserving our history is vitally important and the creative works produced and showcased during the course of the project will enrich Knowsley’s collective story.

“The opportunity to enhance further the borough’s fascinating heritage is also very timely, with Knowsley the Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture 2022.”

Funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Different Voices – Shared Lives will take place in Halton, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, and Wirral, as well as Knowsley.

The project sees the combination of WoW’s acclaimed What’s Your Story? and their Creative Heritage work.

Writing on the Wall Co-Director Madeline Heneghan, said:

“Offering the region’s Black, Asian and other minority communities the opportunity to share their stories, enriches all of our lives across the region. It educates, creates community and combats racism.

“This is a unique City-Region wide collaboration that will work with diverse communities to offer them the space and a platform to relate, discuss and share their experiences, and their stories with support and guidance to develop their own creativity. We are looking forward to meeting new people and to discovering the histories and heritage of communities whose stories have been largely undocumented and neglected and to creating new writing, poetry, publications and performance, for everyone to experience and enjoy.”

Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram commented:

“Our region’s diversity is one of our great strengths; something to be celebrated and encouraged. It enriches our culture, economy, and the very fabric of our society.

“I launched a Race Equality Programme to help nurture that diversity, level the playing field, create opportunities and tackle structural racism across our region.

“This project, led by Writing on the Wall, will place a special emphasis on the lived experience of underrepresented communities and will help us understand the barriers they face and develop lasting solutions.”

 How to get involved

The project will get underway in Knowsley in February, so if you are a member of a Black, Asian, or other racial minority community and would like to share your story and get involved contact mikey.dunne@writingonthewall.org.uk or call 0151 703 0200.

 For more information on the project visit: https://writingonthewall.org.uk

The training provider is offering new traineeship programmes for 16-24 year olds designed with industry experts, providing young people with the skills and work experience they need to get ready for their chosen career.

Part of The Regenda Group, The Learning Foundry work with organisations such as The Good Business Festival, Future Yard and BBC to deliver courses.

New opportunities include:

Youthquake , starting this January – Youthquake is not just a training programme, it is a unique platform allowing learners first-hand access to key business leaders across the region.  On this 18 week programme for 16-24 year old, learners will use the opportunities presented by The Good Business Festival to study how ‘good business’ can be a catalyst for change, and how social entrepreneurship can benefit their local area.  They are tasked with planning a business concept to address key issues in their community, before pitching this to local business leaders at a Dragon’s Den style event. They will also undertake a work experience placement with a top employer, to put their skills into practice.

Dental, starting this January – The ideal programme for young people who want to explore a career in dental nursing! Learners will experience the role of a dental nurse, learn how to mix materials in a dental setting, develop a strong knowledge of the structure of a tooth and earn a First Aid qualification too, with a work experience placement in a top local dental practice.

Picture Your Future, starting this February – Ideal for young people who are still unsure about which career path to go down!  This programme will give learners a chance to focus on employability skills, personal development, and confidence.  Learners will explore a range of sectors to help them make up their mind. They’ll get English and Maths support too, along with real work experience.

 Media and Broadcasting, starting this February – Delivered in Salford, this is an exciting traineeship opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed for a career in the media and broadcasting industry – alongside work experience placements at the BBC! Learners will study radio presentation, media production, project management and more.

Soundcheck, starting this April –  The Learning Foundry are teaming up with one of the most exciting new music venues in the UK, Future Yard, to develop a unique new traineeship programme for young people who want a career in the live music industry.

To apply, or to recommend a friend, head to www.thelearningfoundry.co.uk/moreyou, or call 0300 123 8088.