![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c1ba94_ffe003ffd1c64105a1e157d6cdbcc370~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1920,h_1269,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/c1ba94_ffe003ffd1c64105a1e157d6cdbcc370~mv2.jpg)
![Fresh Start Charity logo.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c1ba94_d35c75827bb34ab2a21316dcb29f1835~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_387,h_87,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Fresh%20Start%20Charity%20logo.png)
Open Heart Campaign
Helping those who are struggling with their mental health
![Open Heart.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c1ba94_d8c5a547944e4775aaca22a20464276a~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_600,h_224,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Open%20Heart.png)
![New heart pin badge.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c1ba94_4f9b093a68f442bb97f7b335ca2adb3c~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_259,h_233,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/New%20heart%20pin%20badge.png)
Imagine you're really upset or angry, overwhelmed and no where to turn to? It can feel like a lot to handle, right?
But when someone is wearing a green Open-Heart Pin, it means they are happy to talk to you and learn how to express and talk about those feelings. Suddenly, those emotions don't have as much power over you.
Once you can put your emotions into words, you can figure out better ways to deal with how you're feeling.
This is called social-emotional learning, and it's pretty incredible!
![Open Heart Campaign website.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c1ba94_dc4abcf8f97b4bb8a7dd7275d4e46257~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_916,h_1298,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Open%20Heart%20Campaign%20website.jpg)
Our guidance notes help prepare you and offer advice on how best to approach various situations and difficult conversations.
In case of emergency
In case you or someone you know is in immediate danger, take action swiftly. If it is an emergency dial 999, go to the nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department, or call 111 for assistance. Please remember your safety and well-being are paramount.
How to start a conversation
Initiating a conversation with someone you’re concerned about can present challenges. The approach you take should be influenced by your familiarity with the individual. Perhaps begin by acknowledging any recent changes you’ve observed in them, highlighting moments of silence or despondency. Subtly suggest a chat or a casual meeting or catch up over coffee, giving them the space to open up if they feel comfortable.
If you think someone needs help and they don’t want to talk
If they decline or remain unresponsive, reassure them that your door is always open for discussions in the future, expressing your willingness to lend an ear when they are ready to share or seek advice. For further guidance, you might consider training sessions such as those provided by the Zero Suicide Alliance.
How to seek guidance
When it comes to disclosing your own need for assistance, identify a few individuals whom you trust and approach them gradually for a conversation. Request a moment of their time, expressing your challenges and need to seek guidance. Be prepared that some may decline due to personal commitments, so it’s beneficial to have alternative options available.
Avoid making hasty assumptions
Addressing situations where someone appears unsupportive of conversation requires a nuanced approach. Avoid hasty assumptions based on non-verbal cues like body language. Sometimes, individuals who seem distant may actually crave communication but struggle to initiate it. Encouraging informal gatherings in your workplace, such as team lunches or designated catch-up periods during meetings, can create an environment where individuals feel more at ease to express themselves more openly.
If someone is in a state of crisis
It’s important to offer them the space to share if they feel comfortable. Additionally, providing information about support services like Samaritans, Shout, or their local A&E department can be instrumental in helping them navigate through challenging times.
If you are asked about your Open Heart pin
Simply mention that it symbolises your openness to discussing mental health issues. By wearing it, you aim to raise awareness and diminish the stigma surrounding conversations about mental health struggles. When supporting someone with mental health challenges, remember that you cannot solve their problems for them. Instead, offer a compassionate ear and sympathetic care, which can play a crucial role in their journey towards finding their own solutions.
How to listen effectively
For effective listening, hone your skills by truly focusing on the speaker’s words and demonstrating your attentiveness. Avoid interrupting and show your interest in their narrative by using non-verbal cues like maintaining eye contact and nodding. Consider asking the person what they need from the conversation to ensure it is helpful for them. Following up with them after a few days shows that you’ve not only listened but also taken their concerns seriously.
If you need help
Feeling lost and unsure about where to begin can be overwhelming. To kickstart your journey towards self-improvement, why not explore platforms like Mind’s Side by Side community? This online resource can provide invaluable support and guidance as you navigate through your challenges. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and taking this first step could lead you to a path of self-discovery and growth.
Links to organisations that can help
Samaritans - or call 116 123 for free
Shout - free text service
![friends drinking coffee.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c1ba94_43276e31b94d4df78f8954a82a59654b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_916,h_605,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/friends%20drinking%20coffee.jpg)
Help to promote our Open Heart Campaign
Please click on the pdf icons to download the A4 poster and A5 flyers, they are set up ready for you to print. Please note the A5 flyers have been planned 2 up on an A4 landscape sheet. Display them around your place of work, staff room, social club, sports centre or coffee shop. Let's start a conversation and help those struggling with their mental health.
For further information about our Open Heart Campaign or to place an order,
please contact info@freshstartcharity.org
![coffee cup copy.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c1ba94_03f6faeb8d974d6c94c04bacb491f1ec~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_857,h_571,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/coffee%20cup%20copy.jpg)