What is We Can Talk?

We Can Talk is a one-hour, all-age mental health e-learning programme designed to increase the knowledge, skills and confidence of hospital staff when supporting patients experiencing a mental health crisis.

Hospital staff, mental health experts, and people with lived experience co-produce all our training. We have trained more than 35,000 staff since 2017.

Who is it for?

All hospital staff. This training is suitable for anyone working in an acute hospital setting. This includes staff in administrative, support, security, estate, facilities and clinical roles.

Do hospital staff need mental health training?

Yes. Over one million people attend acute hospitals due to their mental health every year, and the staff who meet them are usually not mental health specialists — they are emergency nurses, healthcare assistants, porters and other frontline staff. Research shows that patients presenting with mental health needs are twice as likely to spend over 12 hours in emergency departments, and that a lack of staff knowledge and confidence contributes to delays and poorer experiences of care. Giving all hospital staff foundational mental health training — not just specialists — improves how confidently and safely they can support patients in crisis. This is why We Can Talk is designed for every member of hospital staff, whatever their role.

Is there a cost to access?

Access is free for staff, students and volunteers at organisations that have a current We Can Talk subscription. Subscriptions are purchased at an organisational level by NHS trusts and partner providers.

Is my trust a Partner?

Check out our current NHS Partners list to see if you have access through your organisation.

Do you have an education framework behind the training?

Yes. Our programme is structured around an evidence-based education framework, co-produced with people with lived experience, mental health experts and acute hospital staff.

If you are an education lead or a senior leader looking to understand whether We Can Talk’s e-learning is right for your staff, use the form below and select: I’d like to access a demo.

I used We Can Talk before. Is this the same training?

This is a new version. Between 2017 and 2024, the We Can Talk programme focused on supporting young people in hospital.

The new training is designed for all staff, supporting patients of all ages, and is only available via partner organisations. It continues to be co-produced and delivered by people with lived experience.

If you used the original platform, thank you — your involvement helped shape what comes next.

My hospital used to have access. Why can’t I log in now?

From April 2025, We Can Talk transitioned from national funding to a local partnership model. That means individual NHS trusts and organisations now provide access. You can view our Current NHS Partners.

If your organisation hasn’t yet subscribed, you may no longer have access. We encourage you to speak with your education, HR or workforce team. 

Still unsure? Get in touch with us using the form below and select: I’m looking for information to share with senior leaders.

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