This is Time To Talk Day, says ScotRail

ScotRail is supporting Time To Talk Day 2021 as the train operator joins the conversation about mental health and ways to help end the stigma.

"A little conversation can go a long way in helping those who may be struggling with their mental health," said the company's occupational health and wellbeing manager Nadya Kuhl.

"Now more than ever, with the country still in the grip of the coronavirus pandemic, people need a willing ear to listen to them when they are" feeling low."

The campaign is being run by Time To Change, a charity that wants attitudes and behaviour towards people with mental health problems to improve, so they don’t have to live in shame, isolation and silence.

Around one in four people will experience a mental health problem this year. Attitudes to mental health could change someone’s life.

There are lots of way to take part in Time To Talk Day which, of course, this year will be held virtually because of COVID-19 restrictions.

The train operator is encouraging staff to talk to each other, as it did so successfully in January as part of Brew Monday, run by Samaritans. It’s also running a clinic to give colleagues the chance for confidential conversations to take place and also to discuss what support ScotRail can provide.

And, there are online activities that anyone can join from home as part of a virtual get together where people can feel a part of something much bigger.

Nadya said: “It’s at times like this that people need to be aware of the fact that some of their family, friends or colleagues at work might be struggling with their mental health.

“Time To Talk Day is a great way of getting involved and really listening to what is going on in other people’s lives that might be troubling them or getting them down.

“One small act can make a real difference to the way mental health is viewed and help end the negative stereotyping and stigma associated with these issues.”

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