Helplines’ positive impact on people is underpinned by 2024 research from the Helplines Partnership showing helplines offer “a valuable listening space and emotional support”. For callers, as someone who called the Printing Charity helpline explained: “Speaking with the helpline… played a big part in me being able to get into a much better and more resilient place.”
Feeling able to open up and talk to someone about how we truly feel can be life-changing, but it can also be challenging to find the moment and the words – whether you’re looking to speak to someone about how you feel, or you’re worried about someone else.
At the Printing Charity, we hear from people how tricky it can be to start that conversation – but how pleased they are that they did. Thomas called the Printing Charity’s helpline when he was made redundant, to check that he was doing the right things. He explained: “It only took about 20 minutes on the phone, but it calmed me down massively.”
The Mental Health Foundation has provided some tips designed to help people find the words and the moment to talk.
If you’re looking to support someone, they advise:
- Find a space where you can have a conversation without being distracted;
- Give them your full attention;
- Try and make eye contact unless the other person is uncomfortable with it, and try to be relaxed;
- Ask questions to clarify and show you’re listening, but remember not everyone will want to discuss details;
- Ask how you can help, or make suggestions, as opposed to telling them what to do next.
If you’re looking to open a conversation about how you feel, these thoughts could help:
- Choose someone you trust to talk to – someone you know, or a professional, through a helpline for example: whichever option makes you feel most comfortable;
- Where’s the best place to talk – it could be while doing an activity together, rather than simply sitting and talking;
- Prepare yourself for their reaction – hopefully this will be positive, but someone may not react in the way you hope. They could be worried, or not fully understand.
The Printing Charity’s free, confidential and independent helpline is available for everyone who works in print, paper, packaging, graphics or publishing. It offers in-the-moment emotional support and practical information and guidance. You can call the helpline if you want to talk something through for yourself, or if you’re seeking guidance to support someone else.
