Starting the conversation this Mental Health Awareness Week
Practical tips for opening up on mental health to mark Mental Health Awareness Week
Not knowing where to start is a common barrier for people who want to broach a conversation about mental health with a friend, colleague or loved one, but Dr Maddi Popoola and Dr Órlaith Green want to change that by sharing practical tips for opening up a meaningful conversation.
That’s why, for Mental Health Awareness Week, 11-17 May 2026, NottAlone is releasing a bonus episode of The NottAlone Podcast, where hosts Dr Maddi and Dr Órlaith discuss how to start those conversations, why talking about mental health matters, and what to do if you’re worried about someone.
“You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be you.” Says Dr Órlaith Green, Educational Psychologist and Co-Founder of NottAlone.
She continues: “Most people worry about saying the wrong thing, but actually just starting the conversation is enough to get most people to open up. It can be as easy as saying something like: ‘I’ve noticed you’ve not quite been yourself just lately, do you want to talk about it?’ and then giving them space to talk.”
Dr Maddi Popoola, Educational Psychologist and Co-Founder of NottAlone also wants people to know that they’re not alone with this concern. She said:
“If you’re concerned about what to say to someone who is struggling with their mental health, please know that you’re not alone. So many people worry about saying or doing the wrong thing, or not even knowing where to start.
“We’ve put together this special bonus episode of The NottAlone Podcast to help everyday people open up meaningful conversations, and how to approach them differently with adults, young people and children. We really hope that this episode will help to get people talking and build a bit of confidence in our community to reach to each other.”
Listen to this special 22-minute episode of The NottAlone Podcast for free now, wherever you get your podcasts, or by visiting NottAlone.org.uk/TheNottAlonePodcast.
If you are struggling with your mental health, visit the NottAlone website to find advice and links to support services: NottAlone.org.uk.
NottAlone is a partnership between Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council and the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board.