It’s good to talk. It’s even better to be heard
Being heard helps us feel understood, less alone, and more able to cope with the challenges we face. That’s why the message is:
Support starts with being heard
On Saturday, 10th October it’s World Mental Health Day.
“Everyone’s mental health journey is different. Whether someone is facing challenges themselves, seeking support for the first time, or supporting a loved one, everyone deserves to feel heard, understood and supported. Yet everyday pressures, life circumstances and stigma, as well as barriers to finding the right help, can make it hard to reach out, seek support, and get the help they need.”
Mental health affects us all, and taking the time to listen is one of the most powerful ways we can all show support and understanding. That’s why we’re encouraging you to create space for honest conversations where people feel genuinely heard. Like at our Broxbourne Enterprise Centres. Where we welcome open conversations and can signpost you to a range of support.
How to help someone feel heard
We’re not experts so we’ve taken this advice from mental health experts, who tell us that a few simple things can make a mental health conversation feel safer and more supportive for both parties. And you don’t need to be an expert to be part of these conversations. Here are six tips:
Choose the right time and space – Make sure you can give someone your full attention, somewhere they feel comfortable and free from distractions.
Listen to understand – Let someone talk and share as much or as little as they want, without judgement. Show you’re listening by reflecting back what they’ve said and checking your understanding.
Ask open questions – Give someone space to explore their thoughts and feelings. Try not to rush in with lots of questions or solutions.
Validate their experience – Avoid assumptions or comparisons. You don’t need to have the answers. Simply acknowledging how someone is feeling can help them feel heard and understood.
Show empathy – Focus on understanding their perspective rather than trying to make things better straight away. Sometimes feeling listened to is more powerful than advice.
Help someone find their own next steps – Listen first, then encourage them to think about what might help. Questions like “What do you think would help right now?” can help them feel in control.
Free resources
If you want to talk to us, our doors are always open. Or you may want to start this journey yourself. You can find lots of free resources:
- For adults – from the Mental Health Organisation by clicking here
- For families – from our our TEC-based charity, CHEXS or our HEC-based charity HABS Strength In Mind
- For children – strengthening mental and physical health through golf thanks to our HEC-based charity, The Golf Foundation
- Mind
