Blog
It’s #timetotalk
Feb
– By Paul Slemon
As today is Time to talk day 2025, I would just like to take this opportunity to share my experience, and how talking has been able to help me over the last few years.
7 years ago on the 23rd of December I lost my wonderful Dad to Dementia, we could see my Dad’s decline over a couple of years and always knew the end was coming, but it is still a terrible time in anyone’s mind, seeing a loved one going through anything like this, but then 12 months later we lost my wonderful older brother John.
So as you can imagine it was a very tough time for me personally, but also for the rest of my family, fortunately I come from a very big family, 6 brothers and 5 sisters, and there was always someone there to answer the phone or even meet up for a coffee, which has made the grieving process so much easier.
I have learned a very valuable lesson over this tough time, and that was no matter how low you feel, or if you think things will never get better, there is always someone there to listen, BUT!!! You might need to be the one to reach out, don’t wait for someone to contact you, you might have someone that will check in on you, but you don’t have to wait for it to happen.
The same can be said for the workplace, anyone can struggle, whether it is work related or not, pressure of the job, or struggling with a particular task, if you see anyone you know that would normally be bubbly and cheerful, looking down in the dumps, or they are unusually quiet, don’t be afraid to offer your support, just for a quick chat or even for a coffee, offer a shoulder to lean on, and let them know there is help out there!!!.
Reach out and there will always be someone there to listen.
So, take advantage of the wonderful opportunity todays reminder that it is Time To Talk gives us and reach out to a loved one or friend, or even a work colleague that might be struggling, and let them know that you are there for them.
And know that my door is always open, and I am always available for a chat.
Keep well, Paul