Nobody should have to face the hard stuff alone, and you don’t have to figure out how to help them alone either. We’re here so you can be there.

Before you support anyone else, it’s important to check in with yourself. What’s your role in this chat? How are you doing, and what do you need before you start so that you can jump in with confidence?

Opening a big chat can feel like a big step, and taking that first step can make a huge difference. So how do you spot the signs someone might not be ok, and how do you let them know you're here to chat?

Once you’re in the chat, holding space is about knowing you don’t have all the answers, but being a safe place for the other person to take the chat wherever they want it to go. That means parking judgements, putting a pause on distractions, and letting them lead without you jumping in to ‘fix’ it or give advice.

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is really listen. Asking open questions, validating their feelings, and looping back what you’ve heard can help them feel understood at a deeper level and start to make sense of things for themselves.

After hearing someone out, you can support them to think about next steps. Working together to brainstorm their own ideas, offering practical help, and knowing when to connect with professionals can help them feel like there’s a pathway forward.

Being there for someone is no small thing, and big chats can be full on. So the final step is to check back in with yourself. How did the chat land for you? What do you need to fill your cup back up?