Nearly ˝ of people in the North West have felt the need to take time off because of their mental health during the Pandemic

NEW figures released on Time to Talk Day, on 4 February 2021, showed that mental health is still taboo when it comes to taking time out. A survey of over 4,700 UK adults revealed that nearly half of people in the North West (45%) have felt the need to take time off work, School, or university due to a mental health problem during the Pandemic. Worryingly, despite so many recognising a need to take time out, only 17% actually did so.

When facing a mental health problem, support from friends, family and colleagues can make all the difference. However, whilst a significant number of people have struggled with their mental health, many have simultaneously seen their support networks shrink. In the North West, 25% said they have fewer people to talk too about problems such as mental health since the Pandemic. The top reasons cited were being isolated from a support network (32%); worrying about other people's problems (30%); and not being able to meet to talk face to face (30%).

The findings are being released on Time to Talk Day, a nation wide push to get people talking more openly about mental health. Time to Talk Day was established 8 years ago by Time to Change, the mental health anti stigma campaign, led by the charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, in recognition of the fact that people talking and sharing their experiences positively changes the attitudes of those around them.

Further results from the survey showed that, of those people who struggled with their mental health during the Pandemic, a simple message of support from a colleague, friend or family member made all the difference. When people in the North West were asked how receiving a card or message made them feel, the top responses were: someone reaching out made them feel reassured they weren't alone; they were comforted that there was someone to listen; and it made them feel they could seek help. Time to Talk Day 2021 adopts the theme:- 'The Power of Small,' which aims to showcase the big difference these seemingly small conversations or gestures can make.

Jo Loughran, Director of Time to Change, said:- "We know that attitudes towards those of us with mental health problems have improved in recent years and it's important that we don't let that slide. The last year has been hard and it's perhaps made more people realise that we can all struggle with our mental health at times. Let's take this opportunity to ensure that we all feel comfortable talking about it, too. It's easy to think we haven't got the power to make a change. But lots of 'small' conversations can add up to a big difference in tackling the stigma and discrimination too many people still experience because of their mental health. So, this Time to Talk Day, play your part; send a text, reach out, have a conversation."

Emma Hurrell, 18, from Hertfordshire, has experienced anxiety throughout the Pandemic, which has impacted her studies. Emma said:- "When the 1st lockdown started, my A Levels moved online. Studying from home was isolating, and it was harder to distract myself from difficult thoughts. I'd had suicidal thoughts and self harmed before, but it worsened due to the anxiety I was experiencing. Later that month I ended up in A&E, and that's when I was referred to a therapist. I decided to take a break from education until the new academic year to concentrate on my mental health, but I was worried about doing it; I feared I'd be judged. In September I started a new college course. It's been difficult at times, and I've thought about taking more time off for my mental health, but I'm really worried that if I do it will impact my future prospects. I don't want universities to see I've had even more time off because of my mental health and judge me for it."

Abbie Brewer, 24, from Wiltshire delayed taking time off work because she was scared of judgment. She says:- "When the 1st lockdown started I felt trapped, and not being able to see my friends really impacted my mental health. I felt selfish for feeling so low, because I knew some people were worse off. I was working every hour I could, trying to fill up my time so I'd feel like I was 'coping.' I ended up being sent home from work on a few occasions, as I was visibly anxious, but I still didn't feel like I could call in sick. I felt weak, because people seemed to be coping. I thought, 'if they're coping, why am I not?.' I continued working through my anxiety until I finally bubbled over. In the end my workplace suggested I should take some time off. If I wasn't so scared of judgment;- from others and of myself; I would have taken time off before things got so bad."

To encourage supportive conversations about mental health, Time to Change has enlisted celebrity supporters, and their 4 legged friends, to deliver helpful tips for anyone who wants to check in with a loved 1 on Time to Talk Day.

Ricky Wilson, Bev Callard, James McVey and Time to Change champions star in the light hearted 'Ambassadogs' film, which can be downloaded here and includes the following tips.

1. Ask questions and listen:- "How does it affect you?" or "What does it feel like?"

2. Think about the time and place; sometimes it's easier to talk side by side. Try chatting while doing something else, like walking.

3. Don't try and fix it; resist the urge to offer quick fixes, often listening is enough.

On 4 February 2021 thousands of Schools, workplaces and individuals are set to take part in Time to Talk Day. In light of the current restrictions on our lives, many Time to Talk Day activities will be taking place virtually this year. With that in mind, Time to Change has created a virtual festival; a line up of free online events taking place throughout the day to encourage and inspire conversations about mental health. Highlights include:- a virtual laughing yoga class, a draw along art class and a lunch and learn for employers.

Time to Talk Day 2021 spans the UK as Time to Change partners with See Me Scotland, Inspire Northern Ireland and Time to Change Wales.

Join in the conversation online using the hashtag #timetotalk on Twitter and on Facebook. For information and to get involved in:- 'Time to Talk Day' visit:- Time-To-Change.Org.UK.

Digital job surgeries launched to help 160,000 Brits get back into work

MORE than a 150 000 jobseekers across Great Britain will benefit from new employment support, helping them build their interview skills, find local vacancies and quickly get back into work. A new team of 325 Job Search Advisers are now available online or over the phone to support those recently unemployed who already have the skills and experience needed to move into a new career, but might not be sure where to start. Over the next 12 months, an expected 160,000 jobseekers will receive digital support and advice as part of a new Job Finding Support (JFS) service in a further boost to the Government's Plan for Jobs. The quick fire support, which takes place across four 1 to 1 sessions and aims to be completed in a matter of weeks, offers mock interviews, help to identify transferable skills and advice on how to switch industries, as well as online group sessions to improve job search techniques.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Therese Coffey said:- "Job Finding Support will help jobseekers brush up on interview skills and advice, giving them a helping hand to move back into work quickly. Our Plan for Jobs is helping us build back better and fairer, getting job support to people who need it right across Britain and levelling up opportunity. The service is completely voluntary to all jobseekers who have been unemployed for less than 13 weeks and are claiming benefits. Participants are referred to the scheme through their Work Coach."

As the DWP drives forward the Plan for Jobs, it has supported over 40,000 people to retrain and up skill on the Sector-based Work Academy Programme; and recruited 8,500 new Work Coaches to spearhead efforts to get Britain working again. Chief executive of ERSA Elizabeth Taylor said:- "The Government's Plan for Jobs package of labour market initiatives is helping people to provide for their families throughout the Pandemic and the Job Finding Support is another important step in helping jobseekers in these difficult times."

JFS will run in parallel to existing support that is available in jobcentres and will complement the role of Work Coaches who provide more intensive support for jobseekers, including anyone facing specific difficulties returning to work. This service will also free up frontline staff as they continue to help people access the financial support they need through the welfare safety net.