A small conversation about mental health has the power to make a significant difference. During such unprecedented times, talking about mental health is more important than ever; the more we talk, the more barriers we can break down and the more inner demons we can fight. All it takes is a short conversation to share feelings and express emotions to help end feelings of worthlessness, shame, and isolation that all too many of us are made to feel.

Opening up to someone close to you helps lessen the load, making you feel less alone and provides perspective on things, helping you to find solutions to what may seem like a never-ending problem. Conversations are vital and having that feeling of belonging and support from family members and friends should not be underestimated. For the people that have lost contact with their families, those without families and those living in broken homes, it can often feel like there is no way out, a feeling that many of our mentees have experienced. With prisons currently facing tight restrictions, young men spending 23 hours a day in their cells and visits from family banned, the implications of mental health on these lads have been exacerbated.

During the pandemic, Trailblazers has had to adapt its services and communicate remotely with the young men to ensure we continue to support them both in custody and in the community so that there is always a friendly voice at the end of the phone.

The focus of Time To Talk this year is the power of small; we recognise that any conversation about mental health, whether it’s a quick text or a zoom call, it has the power to make a significant difference. We asked some of the men about their experience of mentoring and what it means to them…

“I always am able to pick up the phone to my mentor and get advice, rant or just have a chat. My mentor has helped me when I have been struggling with mental health, work or when I first came from jail and he was able to give good advice when I was trying to adapt to life and the world. He has helped me find purpose during the lockdown, after losing my job, he found me online courses to look into. Having a mentor really is useful.”

“My mentor has never given up on me and now I refuse to do the same.”

“I would say it’s been very helpful and productive to where I want to go in my life and I just hope it continues like that.”

We recognise not everyone is lucky enough to have a mentor which is why we are encouraging everyone to open up a conversation about mental health.

For more information please see: www.time-to-change.org.uk/mental-health-and-stigma/help-and-support