Sometimes it can be useful for colleagues to access spaces where they can have a private conversation, raise a concern with someone or escalate an issue.

Many areas will have staff rooms and offices which are appropriate and suitable for use for these conversations – and it is advised you discuss their use with a line manager where appropriate.

However, this page serves to promote all of the bookable and freely-available spaces which might be suitable to have a conversation with someone privately, or even in a public area that is more relaxed than the working environment.

Remember, plenty of tools are available to help you direct conversations – whether it be wellbeing conversation toolkits, stress risk assessments, wellbeing action plans, passports or otherwise. Managers can also find more useful tools, support and guidance for chatting with colleagues in our Manager Support area.

Colleagues are also reminded that listening support is also available from many sources outside of their own line manager – and are encouraged to have consider requesting a chat with any of our mental health defusers, mental health first aiders, professional nurse and midwifery advocates, health and wellbeing ambassador, freedom to speak up champions, staff networks or other peer support options as appropriate.