Mental health issues affect one in four people, but it can still feel hard to open up and talk about how we’re feeling.

Derbyshire County Council is running Time to Talk Derbyshire from February 7 to March 4.

The campaign aims to encourage everyone to be more open about mental health – to talk, to listen and to help change lives.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for health and communities, Cllr Carol Hart said:

“Mental health and wellbeing affects us all, and the pandemic has deeply impacted on the way that some people are feeling too.

“Sometimes just sharing how you are feeling can be the first step in helping someone to improve their mental wellbeing.

“You do not need to be a healthcare professional to have a conversation about mental health. Just listen, be supportive and be there.”

There are some simple tips around starting a conversation about mental health:

Show you’re willing to listen and talk
Listen but don’t judge
Step up and make the first move
Be patient
Be supportive
Be yourself

What are you doing to start the conversation? The council would like to hear from you about your experiences of talking about mental health and wellbeing.

Share your story or ideas about how to start a conversation about mental health to, email asch.time2talk@derbyshire.gov.uk and we’ll share your tips on social media during the Time to Talk campaign.

You can also find ideas about how to start talking about mental health.

There are lots of ways to help improve your emotional wellbeing. Have you tried the five ways to wellbeing? They’re simple, everyday things to give your mood a little boost.

If you are concerned about your own, or someone else’s mental health, the Samaritans are on hand 24/7. You can call them free on tel: 116 123.

The Derbyshire Mental Health helpline is also available to offer free support and help. Tel: 0800 028 0077.