How to Help Someone Open Up When Something’s Up – Brew Monday 2026

January can sometimes feel like a challenging month, with the end of the festive season, shorter days, and the pressures of starting the new year. It’s natural to feel low during this time, but reaching out for a chat can make a real difference to someone who’s struggling.

At Vertas Group, our Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) are here all year round to support you and encourage open, meaningful conversations whenever they’re needed. This Brew Monday, we spoke to some of them to share their advice on helping someone open up when something’s up.

Sometimes, starting the conversation is the hardest part, so we asked our MHFAs, “How to reach out to someone?”

Justin Brown, Interim Group Head of HSQE, said: “We all experience days of low mood and changes in our mental wellbeing. A classic sign of this can be distancing ourselves from conversation and an unwillingness to engage with colleagues.

Identifying these signs and asking a colleague if they fancy going for a tea or coffee for a catch-up can be all that is needed to help lift that person’s spirits. Be sure to find a place that is private with no interruptions. Allow them to share their feelings and experiences without interrupting or judging. Sometimes, just being heard can make a big difference. Check in with them regularly to see how they’re doing and remind them that you’re there for them.”

To help you open up a conversation about how someone is feeling, we asked our MHFAs, “How to open up a conversation?”

Natalya Dawson, Helpdesk Supervisor, said: “I don’t approach conversations with a set script, I just focus on the person. I try to create a safe, comfortable space by reminding the person that they’re human, that life can be overwhelming, and that it’s okay to struggle sometimes. I lead the sessions I hold with kindness, normalising how they might be feeling, and letting them know they’re not alone. I think just being open, calm, and genuine helps the conversation flow naturally.

Being a Mental Health First Aider means everything to me. It’s about being present for the person when they might feel unseen or unheard. I genuinely care about people, and I take pride in noticing the small things during our chats like facial expressions, body language, changes in behaviour that might tell me someone isn’t okay.”

Once someone starts to share how they’re feeling, it’s important that people feel listened to. So we asked our MHFAs, “How to be a good listener?”

Nina Whale, Procurement Manager, said: “Starting a meaningful chat begins with being a good listener. It’s all about curiosity and empathy!

First, focus – no distractions, just you and them. Keep your body language open, make eye contact, and don’t jump in with solutions. Let them share and show you’re listening by reflecting on their words. Asking open-ended questions helps to keep things flowing. Be patient, supportive, and nonjudgmental; it’s about making them feel safe and heard. Listening isn’t just kind, it’s how trust grows!”

Steven Ryles, Associate, Concertus Design and Property Consultants, said: “We all go through things big and small, inside and outside of work. We are here and available to listen and support. Just talking about what’s on your mind, no matter what it is, can help. We may not be able to relate to your circumstance, but we can help you by just being a person to get it all off your chest and out of your head.”

If you are struggling and need support, the Samaritans offer emotional support 24 hours a day – in full confidence. You can contact them here.

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