Time to Talk Day 2026: Talking and Being Heard as a Carer

19th January 2026

Time to Talk Day (Thursday 5 February), led by Mind, is a national opportunity to encourage conversations about mental health. For carers, talking about how caring affects daily life, relationships, and emotional wellbeing can be an important part of feeling supported. 

Carers Support offers a range of free, confidential support for adult carers, creating different ways to talk and connect. This includes Carers Assessments, which give carers time to talk about their caring role, the impact it is having, and what support may help. Carers can also access support groups, Walk and Talk sessions, and Carers Community Cafés, offering relaxed and informal spaces to share experiences with others who understand caring.  

For carers who are feeling isolated, the Befriending and Connection service provides one-to-one contact to help rebuild confidence and social connection. Where emotional support is needed, carers may also be supported to access counselling, offering a confidential space to talk through feelings in more depth. 

“Having someone to listen, talk to and share with is a bonus – wherever we are in life.” 

Time to Talk Day is equally important for young carers. Young people with caring responsibilities can find it difficult to talk about how caring affects them at home, school, or with friends.

Our Young Carers Service offers one-to-one support, group activities, and school-based support, helping young carers feel listened to and understood. 

Older young adult carers (18 -25) can also benefit from peer group support, providing opportunities to talk with others who share similar experiences and challenges. 

You do not need to be in crisis to talk. Time to Talk Day is a reminder that carers of all ages deserve opportunities to be heard, and that talking—whether one-to-one or alongside others—can be a positive step towards feeling more supported in a caring role.