by Matt Slater
For #TimeToTalkDay, a combination of first and second-year students joined forces to tell important stories that helps to spread the message of speaking out.
The hashtag is the brainchild of ‘time to change’, a mental health campaign from Mind that aims to get more people talking about their mental health’s.
The day is focused on the power of ‘small’, because no matter the size of the conversation, it holds the power to have a huge difference.
In the first segment of the programme, first year student Lewis Sharpe spoke to Connor Hughes, who is aiming to run 59 miles in February.
Hughes is raising money for Cancer Research and over £100 has already been raised.
“The day is obviously really important,” Lewis said.
“The message it conveys is huge in today’s society.
“Especially in these difficult times, reaching out to family and friends is massively important.”
Lewis decided to tell the story as he knows Hughes on a personal level, and he understands the importance of the work that Cancer Research do.
“I chose to tell the story about Connor because fundraising for Cancer Research is really impressive,” Lewis continued.
“Connor is someone I have played football with in the past and I know he’s a great person who just wants to help.
“He’s really motivated and I’m sure he will complete the distance goal.”
The first year was then joined by Louis Holbrook to tell the second story of the programme.
They were joined by Dai Hobbs, Chris Case and Mike Williams of Rhiwbina Rugby Club. Dai was unfortunately diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he has not let this to halt him from helping others.
250 runners have joined Dai’s side to run ‘100kForHobbsy’, with all the proceeds going to City Hospice and the Velindre Cancer Centre.
Louis also understands the value of the day and the significance of the message that it spreads.
“I know the day is so important as mental health is a rising problem in the UK,” Louis said
“Especially at the moment with people being more isolated because of the pandemic, it is really important to speak to people about any issues you are having.”
Louis chose to tell Dai’s story as he felt the story needed to be praised.
“We chose the Rhiwbina story because it was so fantastic to see people getting out and exercising for such a fantastic cause,” Louis added.
“With Mind Cardiff being one of the charities they were raising money for, it felt very apt that we spoke to them in accordance with Time to Talk Day.
“And with over £37,000 raised, it seemed like an impressive achievement that needed to be praised.”
Second year students, Jack Cleaver and Josh Wilson, then spoke to Wales 6-a-side’s manager, Barry John, who also works for the NHS.
John provides hospitals with equipment that allows staff to work efficiently, and junior doctors to continue learning from home.
“Time to Talk is a great way for people who may not feel comfortable on speaking out about their mental health to see other people’s experiences and difficulties through this pandemic,” Jack said.
“This may allow them to feel like they are able to speak out.”
Jack decided to tell Barry’s story as he works for the side of the healthcare service that is often unheard of.
“I felt that looking at a different side of the NHS would give a different insight,” Jack continued.
“With Barry being a part of the IT department, it tells a story that people do not get to hear about.
“It shows us the importance of technology, especially during this time.
“It keeps people engaged with loved ones and allows doctors to see patients at this time, through on an IPad, a hospital bed or from home.”
Matt Skinner hosted the final segment of Community Care. The first-year student spoke to Michelle Barry, a primary school teacher in Cilfynydd, about the 30 days and 30 miles challenge.
The challenge aims to keep children fit, whilst socialising and learning simultaneously.
“I chose to speak to Michelle as the 30-mile challenge got all of the families in the school walking around Cilfnydd and other areas,” Skinner said.
“It gave them some much needed social interaction with friends.”
Matt’s daughter, Isobelle, attends the school and so he has personally witnessed the significance of the challenge.
“It was just something I thought was a feel-good story and it is community based.
“The school have been really good for Isobelle during the lockdown regarding help and support and Michelle deserved the story to be made public.”
Community Care was hosted by Tom Lea and edited by Lee Clow.
The full video can be found here.