Mental health issues affect one in four people but it can still feel hard to open up and talk about how we're feeling.

This year, Derbyshire County Council is running Time to Talk Derbyshire from 7 February to 4 March.

The campaign aims to encourage everyone to be more open about mental health – to talk, to listen and to help change lives.

Councillor Carol Hart, DCC's Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, said: “Mental health and wellbeing affects us all, and the pandemic has deeply impacted on the way that some people are feeling too.

“Sometimes just sharing how you are feeling can be the first step in helping someone to improve their mental wellbeing.

“You do not need to be a health care professional to have a conversation about mental health. Just listen, be supportive and be there.”

There's some simple tips around starting a conversation about mental health:

• show you're willing to listen and talk
• listen but don't judge
• step up and make the first move
• be patient
• se supportive
• be yourself

The county council says it would like to hear from people about their experiences of talking about mental health and wellbeing.

You can email your story or ideas about how to start a conversation about mental health to asch.time2talk@derbyshire.gov.uk and the authority will share your tips on social media during the Time to Talk campaign.

People can also get ideas about how to start talking about mental health at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/timetotalk

There's lots of ways to help improve your emotional wellbeing. Have you tried the Five Ways to Wellbeing? They're simple, everyday things to give your mood a little boost. Find out more at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/wellbeing

If you are concerned about your own, or someone else’s, mental health then the Samaritans are on hand 24/7. You can call them free on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org

The Derbyshire Mental Health helpline is also available to offer free support and help. Call 0800 028 0077.

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