Big Hearts took #TimeToTalk about mental health
A small conversation about mental health has the power to make a big difference. Everyone knows that talking helps, whether you are just having a bad day or struggling with all the life disruptions created by the pandemic. That’s why EFDN member Big Hearts Community Trust are running various initiatives to help young people, families & adults open up and get the listening ear they need. They are convinced: there might be no opportunities to chat at the football games anymore, but there are plenty of ways to join conversations virtually!
This year’s Time to Talk Day, coming on Thursday 4 February, focused on ‘the power of small’. The charity shared some tips on looking out for each other and talking about mental health. Participants were able to join in with whatever amount of time they had to spare- whether that was all day, an hour or just a few minutes.
Offers for participants
- Talk O’ The Toun: A simple concept where Hearts’ fans get to join a couple of hosts from their favourite football podcasts! A 90-minutes casual chat on Zoom, no strings attached. The chat on 2 February (7pm) was presented by ‘A view from the terrace’ Robert Borthwick and Joel Sked.
- Teenagers group: After a rise in referrals, Big Hearts launched this support group to help improve young people’s wellbeing & health. From one-to-one discussions to group activities, it’s all about offering a safe space for teenagers to address sensitive subjects like anxiety, bullying or family conflicts.
- The Changing Room: The online version of SAMH & Movember’s pioneering project where male supporters come together to improve their mental health. Drop-ins run every Monday (6pm) and Thursday (8pm) with previous VIP guests including Scottish Cup Winners Andy Webster and Ryan McGowan, former Hearts midfielder Olly Lee & Hearts’ Women Captain Mariel Kaney!
- Male carers group: An additional strand to Big Hearts’ flagship programme, facilitating peer support between men kinship carers. A flexible format to meet the carers’ needs and challenges, which led to the creation of a cooking club to join safely from home during lockdown.
- Youth befriending: This popular project, run with Big Hearts’ South West Edinburgh partner Space, sees Hearts fans volunteering to support young people’s emotional wellbeing. Befrienders and young befriendees engage in social activities every week using digital platforms & activity packs.
