Four regional organisations launch Time to Talk Day campaign to encourage conversations about mental health

A new regional campaign supporting mental health conversations will launch in January 2026 across Hull and the East Riding. The campaign, created by Hull and East Yorkshire Mind, Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Citizens Advice Hull & East Riding, will run throughout January and into Time to Talk Day on Thursday 5th February 2026.

The campaign will focus on making mental health conversations feel easier, less pressured and more natural – offering short, practical prompts residents can use every day. Local people will begin to see content shared across social media, workplaces and community networks, including tips for starting conversations, recognising when someone may be struggling and ideas for opening up about how you feel.

Recent UK mental health research shows:

• 1 in 4 adults experience a mental health problem each year.
• Around 1 in 6 adults report a common mental disorder (such as anxiety or depression) at any one time.
• Young people are disproportionately affected, with around 1 in 5 aged 17–19 reporting symptoms of anxiety and/or depression.

Despite these figures, many people say they avoid talking about mental health due to fear of stigma or not knowing what to say – highlighting the importance of simple, human conversations.

A free online webinar will also form part of the campaign, offering a deeper look at how to start a conversation and support someone who opens up.

Jack Moore, Head of Marketing and External Relations at Hull and East Yorkshire Mind, said:

“Many people in our area feel unsure how to ask someone how they are or how to talk about their own mental health. This campaign is about giving residents across Hull and East Yorkshire simple tools they can use in everyday life. A small conversation can have an impact.”

Cllr Linda Chambers, Portfolio Holder for Public Health and Adult Services, said:

“Mental health has a real impact on daily life for every person in Hull. It affects families, workplaces and the wider community. This campaign allows us to highlight something simple yet powerful: conversations matter. A small check-in, whether at a kitchen table, in a workplace or over a cup of tea, can change the tone of someone’s day. We want local people to feel supported, to feel able to talk, and to know that there is help available if they need it. Time to Talk Day is a valuable opportunity for us all to think about the power a conversation can have. A day dedicated to speaking openly about mental health helps promote a message of openness, connection and care across our city”.

 Tracy Wharvell, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Hull & East Riding, said:

“At Citizens Advice, we regularly see the wider factors that influence mental health – financial pressure, housing issues, family stress and isolation. For many people, these challenges are intertwined. But every day we see people walk away from our services with a sense of a weight having been lifted because they’ve taken steps to deal with their problems, and that first step is always a conversation. Even a small conversation can be the moment someone begins to get help or feel less overwhelmed. This campaign empowers residents to take action in a way that is accessible, realistic and grounded in simple human connection, and we know what a difference that can make.”

Adam Gibson, Public Health Lead (Mental Health and Suicide Prevention) at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said:

“The East Riding is known for its strong sense of community, where checking in on a neighbour or asking after someone’s wellbeing is part of daily life. This campaign reflects and amplifies that culture, encouraging residents to pause and make space for the conversations that often get missed. Talking about mental health does not need to be a grand gesture – it can be one sentence, one text, or one meaningful moment. We welcome this focus on practical skills and everyday connection, and we hope residents across the East Riding will use these tools in ways that feel right for them.”

The campaign is aimed at the public, community groups, employers, frontline workers, volunteers, parents and anyone who wants to support others. All assets and information will be available for organisations wishing to share or participate.

More information, including tips, and a downloadable guide can be found online at www.heymind.org.uk/time-to-talk