Impact

Since 2017, We Can Talk has worked with NHS England, Health Education England and more than 70 NHS trusts to transform the practice of 30,000 staff through our award-winning mental health e-learning.

We Can Talk’s evidenced based education framework builds upon the extensive skills and expertise that healthcare staff already possess and applies them in the context of providing mental health support. This unique approach to mental health training allows for immediate improvements in mental health support for patients in crisis.

“I found out about We Can Talk through a colleague in A&E. Because I work closely with mental health patients when they come in, I just needed a bit more understanding. I wish I’d done the training a long time ago” Ken, Security Guard

Change is possible

  • 98% of staff report We Can Talk training will make a moderate or significant difference to the way they do their job
  • 98% of staff find the training topics easy to follow
  • 99% of staff would recommend We Can Talk to their colleagues

Arrow down with the words "Risk Incidents" and "Staff Sickness. Arrow up with the words "Patient Experiences" and "Staff Safety".

Improving patient care and staff well-being

In 2023, we followed up with over 100 staff, six months after training, to assess the impact of We Can Talk on their organisations’ day-to-day operations.

Staff reported:

  • 40% decrease in patients absconding while waiting for mental health assessment
  • 66% reduction in staff sick days
  • 27% decrease in complaints from mental health patients and their friends/family
  • 43% decrease in call-outs to security staff


(We Can Talk / i.insights, 2023


“We get so many mental health cases coming in and it’s hard to know what to say. We Can Talk opened my eyes, about letting them know that it’s a good thing they’re wanting help. Not judging what they’ve come in for but what they’ve had to go through.” Leanne, Nurse

Scaling success

In 2025, We Can Talk is scaling our impact by expanding access to our award-winning one hour, self-directed e-learning by working directly with every acute hospital trust in England. Learn more about our offer For Trusts.

 

Nursing Times Awards, Our Health Heroes Awards

 

Join us in transforming one million conversations in 2025

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