Co-op Members find time to talk about mental wellbeing

During wellbeing check-ins throughout the pandemic, Co-op Members asked us to provide ways to help support their mental and physical health. 

So, last year, based on their feedback we held online quiz and wine events and set up bereavement support groups to bring members together. We also invited members to join us on a virtual 80-day around the world adventure. More than 1,600 Co-op Members got involved to walk, run, and cycle over 245,000 miles to make it all the way to the moon to stay active.

We’re continuing our wellbeing support this year by partnering with our mental health organisations on Time to Talk Day 2022. Taking place on Thursday 3 February, Time to Talk Day is all about getting those wellbeing conversations started – especially with friends, family, and in local communities.

Members talk wellbeing

We caught up with members who joined in with last year’s 80-day globe-trotting challenge to tell them all about Time to Talk Day, find out what they thought of our latest wellbeing campaign, and reflect on why it’s so important to talk.

After a tough couple of years battling Covid and other health issues, Kathryn Morse, a Co-op Member from the North West, says she’ll be lending her ear to anyone who wants to chat on Time to Talk Day.

“Having a designated day while encouraging and giving everyone that dedicated time to talk about wellbeing is a fantastic idea. What a wonderful campaign.

“I regularly check in with friends and family and I’d like to think that a dedicated day like this will encourage more people to do so, and not just on one day.

“It’s easier for some people to chat anonymously to a phone buddy. Not everyone wants to talk about their problems. I prefer to help others and that in turn helps me.

“My local shopping centre has a chatty bench where you can sit if you want to strike up a conversation.

“You can’t build a community without talking, so it’s great to see Co-op bringing members and local communities together by encouraging them to talk about wellbeing through campaigns like Time to Talk Day. I will certainly be doing my bit to get involved where I can.”

Liz Sefton, a Co-op Member from the East of England, says Time to Talk Day is a good idea because it brings focus to a health issue that many people struggle with at some point in their lives.

“It’s good to be able to talk and share experiences, especially after the past couple of years. It’s good to know that one is not alone in feeling a bit wobbly, and dedicated days like this can really help raise awareness and get people talking.

“A few years ago, I supported a friend with her mental health issues. We would walk and talk, have coffee or lunch, and generally put the world to rights. I liked an excuse to get out and about while she wished to be more sociable and active, so it was good for us both.

“I already make befriending phone calls to a couple of housebound elderly people; try hard to keep in touch with my friends; and serve tea at a local sheltered housing complex. Some of the residents rarely get out so they enjoy the sociability of having a chat over a cup of tea and some biscuits. It does wonders for their wellbeing, I’m sure.”

Our members think Time to Talk Day is a great idea, so why don’t you get involved this February?

Join in with Time to Talk Day

It’s easy for Co-op Members to join in. You could hold an event in your community, mobilise your work colleagues, or share information with your family and friends on social media by using the hashtag #TimeToTalk.

To find out more about how you can get involved, and to promote your activity for free, visit our Time to Talk Day page on Co-operate, Co-op’s online community centre.

Bereavement support

We know helping a friend or relative through a bereavement can be difficult, so we’re inviting members wishing to lend their support to join our free grief and bereavement seminar on Thursday 24 March.

Hosted by Cruse Bereavement Support UK, the hour-long online session aims to help members understand how bereavement impacts individuals, families, organisations and communities, and the support available.

There are always ways for you to get involved with your Co-op. Head to your member account to see what opportunities are currently available.