Make an impact on Time to Talk Day – start a conversation like our customer Christopher did

"How ya doin’?” “Up to much?” "Fancy a brew?"  

Often, little things, like texting a mate or offering them a cuppa, can open the door to talking about tough stuff, like money troubles or mental health. 

These small gestures can change someone’s day, even their life. 

One in four of us are affected by mental health issues, but we often keep it to ourselves. Young people are especially guilty of bottling it up – 69% of 16-24-year-olds and 72% of 25-34-year-olds hide how they feel, as stats by the mental health charity Rethink show.  

And if you’ve got worries about money, it can feel even harder to cope. Unfortunately, mental health and financial struggles often go hand in hand. 

At Money Wellness, nearly 60% of our customers face vulnerabilities, often linked to mental health.  

That’s why, on Time to Talk Day (6 February), we’re encouraging everyone to open up and start a conversation.  

You could use the day as an excuse to check in on a neighbour, chat with a friend, or just say hi to the postman. 

Talking about mental health helps us feel heard and less alone. It’s not always about fixing problems, just opening up. 

Led by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, in partnership with the Co-op, Time to Talk Day is all about breaking the silence around mental health and opening up. It’s a chance for us all to talk about how we really feel. It’s about helping people and communities come together to have conversions about mental health.  

Christopher’s story 

Our customer Christopher knows just how important a conversation can be. Christopher was struggling with debt and working long hours to try to make ends meet. He found himself questioning everything. 

“I was just lay there one day, thinking is it worth it, shall I just go?” he said. 

It was during this dark time that Christopher reached out to us and found the support he needed. He recalls:  

“[Money Wellness] were very supportive and professional. I really felt like I had a good vibe from them. They pinpointed how it’s going to work, but it’s knowing how much I’ve got to pay out each month that’s the best part because I can control it, it’s easier to manage. It’s making me feel more relieved, more relaxed. Not having stupid thoughts any more. It’s given me that confidence back that I didn’t have.” 

Tips for talking about mental health 

There’s no one ‘right’ way to talk about mental health, but there are a few things that can make these conversations a little easier: 

• Ask questions and really listen. 

• Choose the right time and place, somewhere quiet. 

•  Be patient, sometimes people need time. 

•  Don’t try to fix things, just listen. 

• Treat the person normally, show you’re there for them, not just their struggles. 

•  Do something you both enjoy, like a walk or a chat over coffee. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, here’s some organisations that can provide help and support:  

Mind 

Rethink Mental Illness 

Samaritans 

If someone’s mental health is being affected by problem debt, contact us for free confidential support and advice.  

And remember, there’s always a solution to money worries – the right one will depend on the person’s circumstances. Some of our debt solutions are free, for others there’s a fee.