At Hello Poppy, we are deeply passionate about emotional well-being and creating safe spaces for meaningful conversations around mental health. As part of this work, we recently launched our Talk Circles initiative in partnership with psychologist and cognitive behavioural specialist, Dr Paul Bushell.
Together, Dr Paul Bushell and Jane Linley-Thomas spent several weeks with residents at one of the TAFTA old age homes, gently unpacking conversations around life, loss, identity, loneliness, resilience, and connection.
Each session created space for sharing, grounding, and reflection, ending with a simple weekly activity designed to encourage creativity, participation and emotional connection.
More than anything, the Talk Circles reminded us how important it is for our elders to feel heard. To be given not only care, but conversation, community, and a space to tell their stories.