💛 Start With 8

Emotional Support Line & Connection Campaign

Because eight minutes can change everything.

When you’re caring for everyone else, asking for help can feel impossible.

Start With 8 is a quiet moment of connection — a short, judgment-free space to talk, breathe, or simply not be alone.

Research shows that even a few minutes of genuine human connection can reduce stress and restore calm. That’s why we created Start With 8 — a mental health and emotional support line for parent-carers within Moving Mindspace, and a growing campaign inspiring everyone to give eight minutes of care to themselves or someone else.

💬 What It Is

  • 1️⃣ The Support Line

    A confidential emotional listening line — by text or call — for Moving Mindspace parents and carers who need a short space to breathe, vent, or feel heard.

    • Free and easy to access
    • Run by trained, carer-informed listeners and mentors
    • Trauma-informed, neurodiversity-aware, and non-judgmental
    • No forms, no waiting lists, no pressure — just someone who understands

  • 2️⃣ The Campaign

    A kindness movement encouraging everyone to take or give just eight minutes of connection:

    • Call or message a carer or friend
    • Offer a listening ear, not advice
    • Share a cup of tea and real conversation
    • Pause to check in with yourself


Because eight minutes of genuine connection can change a day, a mood — sometimes even a life.

🌿 Why It Matters

Carers often reach breaking point before they reach out.

The ongoing stress, sleep loss, and emotional load of caring for a neurodivergent or disabled child can quietly build over time — leaving many parents feeling invisible, disconnected, or near collapse.

Start With 8 was created to change that.

It’s built on the principle that early connection prevents crisis, and that you don’t have to be in crisis to need someone to listen.

🧠 The Science Behind “Start With 8”

Studies show that short, meaningful moments of human connection can make a real difference.

Research from the University of Michigan (2021) found that 8–10 minutes of supportive conversation can lower stress hormones and improve mood.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development and Carers UK reports also confirm that small, regular interactions protect against burnout and loneliness.

That’s why Start With 8 exists — to make connection easy, brief, and human.

  • ☎️ How It Works

    1. Text or call during our available hours (details provided when you join).
    2. You’ll be connected to a trained listener who understands the carer experience.
    3. Talk, vent, cry, or just breathe — no judgment, no fixing.
    4. If you need more support, we can connect you to other Moving Mindspace services such as The Carer’s Room, Safe Space Circles, or Parent Power.

    You don’t have to plan what to say — you just need to start, with 8.

  • 💛 Who You’ll Speak To

    Every listener is trained in:

    • Carer experience and emotional impact
    • Neurodiversity and sensory awareness
    • Trauma-informed communication and co-regulation
    • Recognising signs of burnout and distress

    Most have lived experience of caring themselves — they get it, without you needing to explain.

🌸 The Start With 8 Movement

We’re growing a movement around the power of small, genuine connection.

🌿 Take 8 minutes to check in with someone.

💬 Listen, don’t fix.

💛 Give or take eight minutes for mental health.

🫶 Share, tag, and spread the message: #StartWith8

By normalising short acts of care and listening, we can reduce isolation, support early intervention, and remind people they’re not alone.

✉️ Need to Talk?

If it’s been a long day, or you just need a moment of calm — reach out.

Eight minutes could be the start of feeling a little lighter.

📞 Call or text: coming soon

🕗 Available for Moving Mindspace families

You give so much of yourself every day. Start With 8 is here to care for you.

Contact Us Today For Support