10 ways to support mental health: Time to Talk 2021
Sarah Botterill | 01 Feb 2021
Time to Talk Day is a staple in the calendar and provides an opportunity to talk about Mental Health. This year it’s on February 4, 2021.
The theme is the ‘Power of Small’ and that a small conversation about mental health makes a big difference.
During Covid-19, conversation and checking in has never been more important.
Here are ten ways AbilityNet can help promote the mental health of individuals including kick-starting a conversation about mental health.
1. Technology to improve your mental health
We celebrated World Mental Health Day (2020) with five ways technology can help to improve your mental health.
The Blog included tips for students, workplace tips and signposting to organisations that are waiting for you to call them, and to support your 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.
Plus, find out how our volunteers have offered support during the pandemic.
A number of charities have set up helplines to help during the pandemic.
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. Sign-up for a FREE webinar
For obvious reasons, we’ve had to suspend home visits during Covid-19. However, we know how important it is to keep connecting with other people, which is why we launched our AbilityNet Live! series of webinars. The webinars are an opportunity to hear from experts in the field, including AbilityNet staff. They are FREE to join and there’s always a chance to ask questions.
4. Get help from an AbilityNet volunteer
We have over 300 volunteers across the UK who continue to offer support throughout the pandemic. They’ve helped churches host virtual congregations and charities stay connected, have helped a couple say a final goodbye and someone with MS set up smart technology.
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. In a recent webinar on Tablets for Seniors, AbilityNet featured two solutions designed specifically to help older people stay in touch with family and friends.
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 has been working in partnership with the NHS, Jangala and others to deliver support to service users in London who need help. We’ve also helped others providing tech devices by providing support notably KOMP, and have also worked with other charities notably The Stroke Association to improve lives by enabling people to use technology.
Charities wishing to explore how we can help can email enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk, or call us on 0300 180 0028.
8. Mental health support for students
Covid has led to challenges for students who have ping-ponged in and out of lockdowns and are balancing blended learning models of home and person-to-person learning.
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 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.
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
