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Britain Get Talking

Connecting with others is one of the key ways that we can protect our mental wellbeing. Whether it’s reaching out to someone for a chat or opening up about something that’s worrying you, take the time to get talking!


Our current campaign

Our current TV campaign shows a conversation between a dad and his unresponsive daughter, to reinforce that time and effort can eventually pay off and be beneficial to mental wellbeing.

A street lined with houses and tower blocks in the background is shown. Inside a house a middle aged man watches The Chase on TV, sitting on the sofa as he drinks a cup of tea. He looks through the window and sees a young girl in a school uniform arriving home. The front door slams as she enters. The dad and daughter greet each other as she joins him on the sofa. He turns to her looking expectant. Subtitles are appear on screen, that show what isn't being said in their conversation. The dad asks 'How was the dreaded school?' and whilst the daughter says 'It was alright', the subtitles read 'It was bad.' As he makes her a cup of tea, the daughter looks down at her phone, scrolling through a series of mean messages about her. She looks upset and distracted, not paying full attention to her dad's questions. As the conversation goes on he begins to look more concerned. The girl locks her phone and turns it over in her lap suddenly, biting her nails nervously. The dad places the tea on the coffee table and goes to sit back down next to the daughter. He ruffles her hair with his hand, making her huff out a laugh, but her smile quickly fades. He picks up his tea and continues their conversation, asking her if she has made up with her friend Sophie. She tries to play it off by shrugging, and says 'No but it's whatever' as the subtitles read 'No and it really hurts'. The dad asks if this bothers her as the subtitles read 'I know it bothers you.' She says 'No not really' but the subtitles say 'It's all I can think about.' She picks at the skin of her hands anxiously, whilst the dad watches. He responds with 'Okay' as they sit on opposite ends of the sofa, not looking at each other. After a pause, he puts down his tea, turns off the TV and turns to his daughter. He says 'Look, you know you can talk to me alright?' as the subtitles read 'Please, please talk to me.' The camera zooms in to a close up of the girls face. Her eyes dart around as she looks down. 'I'm here' he says and the subtitles read 'I love you.' He appears desperate and worried. The daughter takes a deep breath and says 'Actually dad' as she finally looks up at him. The subtitles read 'Thank you'. The conversation fades as she turns on the sofa to face her dad. The text on screen reads 'Almost half of young people struggle with anxiety. Keep taking the time to breakthrough.' The background changes to show the street again and the text Britain Get Talking. Supported by YoungMinds and Mind. For more info, itv.com/britaingettalking.

Resources for young people and their parents and carers

Click for more help and support

Where to go for support

SAMH Logo

Here are ways you can talk to the SAMH Information Team:

Live Web Chat - available here

0344 800 0550

info@samh.org.uk

Open 9am-6pm, Monday to Friday (except Scotland and Northern Ireland Bank Holidays).

YoungMinds Parents Helpline provides free detailed advice, emotional support and signposting about a child or young person up to the age of 25.

Call the Parents Helpline for free on 0808 802 5544.

It's open Monday to Friday at the following times:
• Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays: 9.30am - 4pm
• Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 9.30am - 6pm
You can reach them by phone or webchat during these times.

Young Minds logo

Previous campaigns

Dr Lucy Maddox

“Even if it sometimes feels tricky, spending time with other people and sharing how we feel can help us to feel close and supported.”

Dr Lucy Maddox, Consultant clinical psychologist

Tips on having meaningful connections

Click for more help and support

How to talk to your child about mental health

Click for more help and support

“At SAMH, we know that talking can be the first step to improved mental wellbeing. That is why we are proud to support Britain Get Talking, which is encouraging people across Scotland and the UK to open up about mental health. ”

Billy Watson, Chief Executive of SAMH

“Record numbers of young people are struggling with their mental health. Talking is one way people can feel supported and it’s often a first step to seeking help. We’re proud to be part of Britain Get Talking, enabling conversations about mental health to happen across the country.”

Abigail Ampofo, Interim Chief Executive at YoungMinds

The STV logo sits on top of Britain Get Talking logo. Underneath it says 'supported by Scottish Action for Mental Health, YoungMinds and Mind' alongside their charity logos.

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