10 ways AbilityNet can support your mental health: Time to Talk 2024
Adam Tweed | 01 Feb 2024
Time to Talk Day is an annual event that encourages people to come together and "talk, listen and change lives." This year it’s on February 1st 2024.
It's an opportunity to reach out to others, to talk about what's on their mind, the positives, the negatives, the triumphs, and the worries. The point is to make the space and take the time to talk and listen and to make a single day the first step in an ongoing conversation.
Here are ten ways AbilityNet can help promote the mental health of individuals including kick-starting a conversation about mental health.
1. Mental health and inclusive workplaces
AbilityNet's popular "Don't Disable Me" series of training sessions include a session focussing on mental health and the barriers that we can inadvertently create in the workplace. Based on lived experience, the session covers language and busts some taboos as well as providing some tips (both tech and cultural) to ensure you're not creating barriers for others when it comes to their wellbeing and mental health.
2. Start a conversation with AbilityNet
AbilityNet supports older and disabled people with technology. While the focus is on technology what really matters is the impact that technology has, and how it can improve the lives of older and disabled people.
Refer-a-Friend to us or call our helpline on 0300 180 0028. We offer a range of support including how to use technology to chat with family and friends.
Please note: calls to our helpline number cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number and count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls, and AbilityNet does not receive any money from these calls
3. Volunteer
Volunteering has been demonstrated to improve our mental health; we feel good when we help others. Beyond this, volunteering is a great way to meet new people, to connect, share, pass on knowledge, and learn from others.
Are you passionate about the power of technology? Would you like to help us bridge the digital divide? Do you have a few hours available each month? Why not become an AbilityNet volunteer?
You don’t need to be a tech guru to help. Typical help requests for a volunteer include:
- Helping someone set up an email account
- Showing someone how to use online video calling via WhatsApp or Zoom
- Setting up a new device and connecting it to the internet
- Giving advice on anti-virus protection and internet safety
- Changing basic device settings to make it easier to use
4. Get help from an AbilityNet volunteer
We have over 300 volunteers across the UK who can help you stay connected through technology. Our amazing volunteers help older people and disabled people of any age, anywhere in the UK helping people to access services, stay in touch with friends and family ... as well as work out why the printer suddenly stopped talking to the iPad!
5. AbilityNet answers your questions about mental health
AbilityNet Helpline’s Alex Barker answers some commonly asked questions about mental health, including “How can I work more effectively”, and “I need to be able to “take time out”. How can I do this?”.
For support with technology for disabled and older people, or if you have specific questions for Alex and the team call 0300 180 0028.
Please note: calls to our helpline number cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number and count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls, and AbilityNet does not receive any money from these calls
6. Technology to help older people stay in touch
Older people can be prone to isolation and are potentially also less tech-savvy. AbilityNet has featured previously featured two solutions designed specifically to help older people stay in touch with family and friends: GrandPad and KOMP, but we can now add the Echo show with its numerous helpful features, including its "Hands-free video calling".
You can read specific FAQs about both solutions GrandPad and KOMP.
GrandPad includes a built-in button to initiate a call with support 24/7.
7. Support with mental health: partnership work
AbilityNet works in partnership with other organisations, charities, and businesses ensuring that the right resources get to the right people. AbilityNet was a partner in the Digital Lifeline project, a project led by Good Things Foundation and funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sports (DCMS) that supported over 5000 people with learning disabilities in staying connected during the pandemic.
8. Mental health support for students
Disabled students can get support with mental health through the Disabled Students Allowance. Plus read our list of seven apps to reduce anxiety at University.
You can also watch a recording of our AbilityNet Live! session on mental health.
9. Apps and gadgets for mental health
There are a number of apps designed to support mental health. Read AbilityNet’s round-up of apps for wellbeing and mental health.
You might also be interested in some of the slightly unusual gadgets for supporting mental health that may (or may not) have made your wishlist this Christmas.
10. Adapt your websites and make them accessible
Companies can help by ensuring that their websites, apps, and digital services are accessible to all that means adapting websites for older people, people with disabilities and embracing inclusive design.
AbilityNet offers a range of services to help you design accessibly.
Help and support with mental health
C.A.L.M. – Campaign Against Living Miserably – for men
0800 58 58 58
www.thecalmzone.net or webchat
Samaritans
116 123
Papyrus – for people under 35
0800 068 41 41
Text 07786 209697
https://www.papyrus-uk.org/help-advice/about-hopelineuk
Childline – for children and young people under 19
0800 1111 – free and the number will not show up on your phone bill
