The past couple of weeks have been a pretty busy for The Kettle’s On Learning, which as a new, small business, is a blessing!

With R U OK? Day and World Suicide Prevention Day falling in September, mental health was front of mind for many businesses, but for me, the most meaningful part hasn't been the awareness days themselves.

It's been the people I've had the opportunity to sit down with over the past few weeks.

I've facilitated large group sessions in some very different workplaces from some Mental Health Toolbox sessions with a predominantly male workforce, to a full Mental Health First Aid course with a group from an academic setting.

The locations and audiences have been quite different.And yet, there has been a common thread.

People are willing to talk.

Sometimes it takes a little while to get things going. Sometimes there is a bit of initial awkwardness, and sometimes you can almost hear the room thinking, "oh no, what exactly are we going to be talking about here?"

But once people realise they aren't expected to have all the answers, and that we're all there for the same reason, the conversation changes. Questions start coming. People share their experiences and are open to listening to others - because lets face it, no-one really knows what anyone else is going through, or has been through.

Someone will say something that makes another person think, "Actually, that's a really good point."

And quite often, if I have anything to do with it - there is a bit of laughter along the way too.

Those people who know me, know I tend to celebrate the small things in life - and these past few weeks, I've really been able to enjoy the connections and work I've done. Thanks to all those who were involved, you've filled my cup (of tea!). ☕