On Thursday 5th February 2026, we came together as a team to mark Time To Talk Day – a national campaign led by Mind, the mental health charity, that encourages people across the UK to open up conversations about mental health.
Time To Talk Day is a reminder that sometimes the simplest things can have the biggest impact. A check-in. A shared moment. A conversation that might feel awkward at first, but can make someone feel seen, heard, and a little less alone. Mind’s message is clear and powerful: the more we talk about mental health, the more we reduce stigma, build understanding, and create space for real connection.
That message resonates strongly with us at Bubble. Supporting the wellbeing of our team isn’t something we think about for one day a year. It’s something we believe in deeply, and something we actively invest in every day through our culture, our values, and the way we show up for one another.
How we spent Time To Talk Day
To mark the day, our entire team came into the office and headed out together for a walk and talk around Idle Valley Nature Reserve. It was a meaningful way to step away from our desks, get some fresh air, move our bodies, and create a relaxed environment where conversations could happen naturally.
After the walk, we returned to the office for pizza and time together – another opportunity to connect, chat, and just be present with one another. Throughout the day, our SLT team also took the time to check in with their teams, creating additional moments for open, honest conversations to happen naturally. It wasn’t about forcing discussions, but about making space – so people felt able to talk if they wanted to.
Why Time To Talk Day matters to us
At Bubble, we believe work should be a safe space – somewhere people feel supported, valued, and able to be themselves. We encourage open conversations, regular check-ins, and peer support, and we try to back those intentions up with real action rather than words alone.
This is supported by our dedicated cultural roles team, where team members focus specifically on wellbeing initiatives, alongside regular team events, get-togethers, and a culture that puts people before pressure. It’s all part of our commitment to creating a workplace where individuals feel cared for, supported, and able to do their best work.
Real stories from our team
To help support Mind’s mission of opening up conversations, some of our team kindly shared parts of their own mental health journeys – and how being at Bubble has helped them along the way.
Asia-Jorden Alexander-Smith
“Mental health is something I’ve navigated for a long time, and my experience has been far from linear. There are times where I feel confident and capable, and others where anxiety or low moods make everyday things feel heavy. Throughout it all, I’ve learned that strength isn’t necesarily about managing perfectly all the time. Personally, talking openly about how I’m feeling has helped me recognise when I need to slow down, ask for support, or just give myself a bit of grace.
Having a workplace like Bubble, where wellbeing – physical and mental – is taken seriously, makes those moments feel safer. The supportive and encouraging culture means I’ve always felt able to speak up when I need to, knowing that any concerns will be met with understanding, support, and genuine check-ins rather than just a throwaway “how are you?”.”
Dean Ellis
“I joined Bubble excited to start a new role at an ambitious and growing company, while also navigating a personally challenging time. I’ve always believed that work and personal life can’t be completely separated, how you’re feeling naturally shows up in the work you do. What made the difference was how Bubble responded to that reality. They created a space where I felt able to be open, took the time to listen, and asked what support would be genuinely helpful. Their flexibility and understanding meant I felt supported and valued, which made a huge difference during a difficult time.”
Ellie Thornton
“I’ve suffered with anxiety and depression since I was very young, fighting debilitating mental and physical symptoms. A recent experience in a difficult work environment intensified those struggles and completely shattered my confidence and self-belief. Luckily, I found Bubble! However, when I first joined the team, I was still trying to recover from the experience; I was doubting my abilities and feeling anxious every day. At first, it was tough that I was feeling such excitement and passion for my new job and learning new skills, while simultaneously trying to keep my head above water and tackle the overwhelming thoughts. Being part of a team where my manager regularly checks in with me and reassures me, and where my progression is both encouraged and celebrated, has done wonders for my mental state. I’m still slowly recovering and unlearning those harmful thought patterns, but the support I receive at Bubble is helping so much. My anxiety and depression are still a part of me, but I know I am now in a place where I’m supported and taken care of.”
Anton Caines
“Ever since I was young, mental health has been a major part of my life. Four years ago, I lost my Mum to suicide. That loss taught me that being open is vital, as even those we love most can mask their pain. Often, people stay silent because they don’t want to worry those closest to them.
But bottling up emotions changes you, and you may not realise the impact it has on others. It’s like a sealed bucket filling with water—eventually, the seal will burst. I saw this with my Mum, and you don’t want to reach that breaking point.
Talk to a friend, a neighbour, or a loved one. Opening up helps people understand you. If you don’t want to worry family, I highly recommend therapy. It feels like a big step, but it only takes five minutes to send an email or make a call. Speaking to someone outside your life is one of the best things you can do. Now is the time to talk.”
Emily Barker
“During my time at Bubble, I’ve learned just how much of a difference genuine support can make when it comes to mental health. Alongside being a full time degree apprentice at Nottingham Trent University, I’ve had the opportunity to take on extra responsibilities, including a period as Social Team Lead. Juggling work, study and everything else that comes with it can be a lot, and there were times when I wasn’t quite feeling like myself, even if I didn’t fully realise it at the time.
What really stands out to me is how Bubble handled that. Management took the time to check in, listen and understand how I was feeling, creating a space where open and honest conversations felt safe and encouraged. Rather than pressure or judgement, the focus was on finding positive, practical ways to support me and help me perform at my best, both professionally and personally.
That level of understanding and care made a huge difference. Knowing I work somewhere that genuinely values wellbeing has helped me feel more confident, more balanced and far more supported as I continue my degree apprenticeship and more importantly my career progression. Bubble’s continued support has shown me how important it is to talk, listen and look out for one another, and I’m really grateful to be part of a workplace that lives to those values.”
Looking beyond Time To Talk Day
Alongside days like this, we’re also committed to making a positive social impact in other ways – supporting our local community and good causes through corporate volunteering, charity partnerships, and fundraising throughout the year. While these efforts focus on a wide range of causes, they’re all rooted in the same principle: caring for people and doing what we can to make a meaningful difference.
If there’s one takeaway from Time To Talk Day, it’s this: conversations matter. Listening matters. And creating safe, supportive spaces – at work and beyond – can genuinely change lives.
If you or someone you know needs support, Mind offer incredible resources and guidance. You can learn more about Time To Talk Day and the work they do at 👉 mind.org.uk
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