Buildings across Hull city centre will light up in local mental health charity Hull & East Yorkshire Mind’s colours on Time to Talk Day (Thursday 5th February), marking both the national awareness day and the charity’s 50th anniversary year.
The lighting is a visible show of support for mental health and a reminder of the power of conversation – encouraging people across Hull and East Yorkshire to check in with one another, start small conversations, and know that support is available locally.
Now in its 50th year, Hull & East Yorkshire Mind has been supporting local people with their mental health since 1976. Throughout 2026, the charity is marking the milestone with a programme of events, campaigns and fundraising activities that celebrate its history while looking ahead to the future.
Time to Talk Day is a key moment in that year of activity, reinforcing a simple message: talking about mental health doesn’t need to be complicated. A chat over a brew, a message, or a quick check-in can make a real difference.
As part of its anniversary celebrations, Hull & East Yorkshire Mind will also host a 50th Anniversary Golden Gala on Friday 24 April 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hull. The event will bring together supporters, partners and local businesses to celebrate five decades of impact, raise vital funds, and recognise the role the community has played in the charity’s journey. Businesses and communities are encouraged to get tickets here www.heymind.org.uk/gala. Celebrity comedian Lucy Beamont will also be attending the event.
Alongside the Gala, the charity has launched “50 Ways to Fundraise” – a campaign encouraging individuals, workplaces and community groups to get involved in fun, accessible fundraising activities throughout the year. From personal challenges to team events, the campaign is designed to make supporting mental health achievable for everyone.
A dedicated 50th anniversary section is now live on the charity’s website, bringing together events, fundraising ideas, stories from the past 50 years and ways to get involved. The page will be updated regularly as the anniversary year progresses.
Speaking ahead of Time to Talk Day, Jack Moore, Head of External Relations at Hull and East Yorkshire Mind said: “Seeing Hull light up for Time to Talk Day is a powerful reminder of what this city does best – looking out for one another.
“For 50 years, Hull and East Yorkshire Mind has helped local people find the words, the confidence and the space to talk about their mental health. Whether it’s been a first conversation, a quiet check-in, or ongoing support, talking has always been at the heart of what we do.
“As we mark this milestone, we’re proud of the thousands of conversations that have happened over the past five decades – and just as committed to the future. We’ll continue creating safe, supportive spaces where people feel able to open up, be heard, and know they’re not alone.”
Hull and East Yorkshire Mind is encouraging people to use Time to Talk Day to start a conversation with someone they trust, attend a local event, or simply take a moment to check in with others.
Find out more about Time to Talk Day, the 50th Anniversary Golden Gala, 50 Ways to Fundraise, and the charity’s 50th anniversary programme at: www.heymind.org.uk/fifty