TalkLife

Today is the start of Loneliness Awareness Week and time to shed some light on an issue that impacts many, including students in our online community. Our recent impact survey revealed some startling statistics: 🎓81% of TalkCampus students often feel a lack of companionship 🎓83% feel left out 🎓82% feel isolated from others 🎓26% reported that they had not spoken to anyone face-to-face in the previous 24 hours These numbers represent real experiences and emotions students feel when facing the challenges of #university and #college life. Loneliness has not just an impact on mental and physical health, it has a direct negative effect on academic performance. But there’s hope! Our blog explores the various aspects of loneliness, offering insights and strategies to cope with difficult feelings, and how to create moments of connection and support others. From understanding loneliness to fostering meaningful connections, our platform aims to provide support and empowerment to students worldwide. https://hubs.li/Q02B3kdm0 “We can make good friends here from whom we can spend time! To be honest I have some of my friends but they are busy in their world so I can’t communicate with them daily if I feel low I can’t talk to them but here the people are there for you all the time whenever you need they will be someone for you....giving you strength, advice and helping you to cope up with the situation indirectly... Which I loved the most about this community :)" During Loneliness Awareness Week, let’s challenge stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding loneliness. It’s not just an issue for older adults; it can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. By sharing our experiences and supporting one another, we can create a more connected and empathetic society. Join us in raising awareness and promoting understanding. Together, we can make a difference💜 Marmalade Trust #LonelinessAwarenessWeek #PeerSupport #TalkCampus #Loneliness

We're looking forward to connecting with you at the AMOSSHE, The Student Services Organisation conference on June 26-28th🎓 If you're interested in discovering the benefits of peer support as an early intervention method, don't miss the chance to speak with the TalkCampus team at Stand 2 💬 #AMOSSHE #TalkCampus #PeerSupport

The 'Lifetime Commitment To Wellbeing' is awarded to the individual who has made a significant contribution to #WorkplaceWellbeing over their career. Congratulations to the individuals that have made it to the shortlist! - Clare Delpech, Association for Postnatal Illness (APNI) - Fauzia Khan, Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust - Jamie Druitt, TalkLife - Kiggo Livingstone, Buikwe District Local Government - Uganda - Rachel Czernobay, CMS CAMERON MCKENNA NABARRO OLSWANG LLP - Tina Chummun, CARE2COUNSEL LTD 🎟️ Join us on 13 June to celebrate: https://lnkd.in/dZd85q2E (Note that the Daytime Summit is Open to everyone, not just those attending the evening Awards ceremony.)

Elevate your students' #university or #college journey with impactful and adaptable volunteer opportunities! Explore the TalkCampus Buddy Volunteering Programme to enrich their experience and enhance their resumes. It's not just another #volunteering opportunity; it's a chance for students to refine their empathy skills and emerge as brilliant peer supporters for other students. Becoming a Buddy at #TalkCampus involves flexible training and development tailored to fit busy schedules. Students can learn at their own pace, seamlessly integrating their #volunteer commitments with their studies. Buddies serve as compassionate pillars in the community, leading by example and empowering others to seek support when needed. Volunteering isn't just about giving back – it's about personal growth too. At TalkCampus, students can develop their #empathy skills, build friendships, and become part of a global #community creating change. Plus, we understand the hustle of student life – that's why we create adaptable programmes with no rigid schedules. Scroll to find out more ➡ https://lnkd.in/eRCpSU8S #StudentVolunteering #StudentVolunteers #PeerSupport #HigherEd #MentalHealth #StudentLife

🏆 Stevie-winner TalkLife is an online peer support community platform, currently supporting millions of people globally. Founded to foster a supportive community for individuals struggling with mental health challenges, TalkLife offers a safe space where users can connect with others, share their experiences, and receive encouragement and advice. The platform utilizes a combination of peer-to-peer support and professional guidance to create a comprehensive ecosystem aimed at improving mental well-being. Through its online forums, chat features, and personalized resources, TalkLife enables individuals to access support whenever they need it, regardless of their location or time zone. The company's approach is rooted in inclusivity and accessibility, catering to a diverse range of users from different backgrounds and experiences. As an advocate for mental health awareness and destigmatization, TalkLife also actively collaborates with mental health organizations, researchers, and experts to promote positive dialogue and provide accurate information about mental health conditions. TalkLife won a Gold #StevieAward for Company of the Year - Health Products & Services - Small in The International Business Awards®. Read the full blog ➡ https://hubs.ly/Q02w_Ck30

It's Mental Health Awareness Week, and this year's theme might surprise you—it's all about physical activity. Why? Well, according to the Mental Health Foundation, research shows that inactive individuals have a significantly higher rate of moderate to severe depression compared to those who are active. In fact, regular physical activity can slash your risk of depression by up to 30%. Exercise isn't just about getting fit; it's about feeling good too. When we work out, our bodies release those "feel good" hormones that can help alleviate stress and anger, and even improve our sleep quality. But here's the challenge: many of us struggle to find time for exercise amidst our busy lives. The World Health Organization recommends 150-300 minutes of exercise per week for adults, which translates to just over half an hour a day. Sounds doable, right? Yet, it's often easier said than done. So, the key is to seize every opportunity to move, even in the smallest moments. Waiting for the kettle to boil? Do a quick stretch or some on-the-spot exercises. And if you're stuck in a sedentary job or find yourself sitting for long periods, set reminders to get up and move regularly. Remember, every bit of movement counts, no matter how brief. Start small, and don't underestimate the power of short bursts of activity. As your energy levels increase, gradually extend your exercise time. Not only will you boost your physical health, but you'll also lift your mood and enhance your overall well-being. What do you do to stay active throughout the day? If you need inspiration, find out more about ways to get moving: https://lnkd.in/e-mZGEaU Mental Health Foundation

In our latest campaign, we're delving into the pressing issue of isolation within student populations, a concern exacerbated by factors such as distance from home, remote learning, and challenges in finding a sense of community on campus. Today’s students also face the daunting task of navigating post-pandemic recovery, alongside global stresses, all while striving for personal growth and academic attainment. Finding comfort and social connectedness among peers facing similar challenges is crucial for their well-being. One of our main focus areas is providing effective peer support and resources for those grappling with feelings of loneliness during their academic journey. Our internal research, conducted within the TalkCampus community, underscores the magnitude of this issue: 📍82% often, or some of the time feel isolated from others 📍79% of TalkCampus students agree or strongly agree that the peer support of the TalkCampus community helps them feel that they are not alone in their struggles and gives an increased sense of belonging 📍65% report that the community makes them feel less isolated, and motivates them to achieve goals and complete work These findings underscore the pivotal role platforms like #TalkCampus play in addressing the multifaceted challenges of student isolation and enhancing overall well-being. We are looking forward to seeing this campaign rolled out amongst our partner institutions 👩🎓 #StudentIsolation #MentalHealthAwareness #StudentWellbeing #PeerSupport #Isolation #Loneliness #HigherEd #HigherEducation #University

At TalkLife we very much welcome the launch today, by #Ofcom, of the draft Children’s Safety Codes of Practice, which will offer children greater protections online, so they can develop digital skills and knowledge, and flourish in the digital world, spared from the risk of harms. We are particularly pleased to see that the mental health of young people is prioritised, not least in offering them protection from Priority Primary Content, which promotes suicide, self-harm and eating disorders or pornography. We welcome the focus on how algorithms can push and promote such content to even very young children, harming them in the process, and that in addition to moderating harmful content, recommender systems need to change too. These are areas that have been a priority at #TalkLife for many years, and in protecting and prioritising the mental well-being of our users, experienced professional content moderators work closely with a digitally literate, expert clinical team to protect our users, but also to support them in activities such as making positive connections with each other. There is much to consider, but this is an exciting moment for us to engage positively with the challenges and, for us all to contribute to a better digital world. If there is one area where we might hope for something more ambitious, it is to hope for something more than ‘Safety by Design’. We applaud the US Surgeon General, in his Advisory ‘Social Media and Youth Mental Health’ for recommending to the industry that we “Reform digital environments to ensure that it does not detract from meaningful connection with others” #OnlineSafety https://lnkd.in/edim_DDk

A staggering 25% of our users tell us they have not spoken to a single person face to face in the last day. It’s a stark reminder of how isolated we are as a global society. Social connection is at an all time low. Whilst it’s no surprise to hear how damaging and dangerous that can be, it never ceases to shock. Social connection is absolutely key for human beings. Technology, when used well, can offer the chance to reconnect, find belonging and hope in a disconnected world. Combine technology with peer support, clinical escalation and world class safeguarding and it becomes a powerful intervention. We are not designed to do this alone.

The power of peer 🙌