What Frankie Taber’s Big Brother Moment Teaches Us About Listening
Saturday 10 October is World Mental Health Day and this year’s theme is “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change”. At Renew, we know that finding the courage to speak about how your feeling is not a small thing. It’s the beginning of feeling less alone and discovering a way forward.
Listening means being there, even before you know why
We hear words all day. Listening asks more of us. It means setting aside assumptions and allowing another person’s experience to be true in its own right.
When support comes before the explanation
A recent moment on this year’s Big Brother showed why listening can matter so much. Housemate Frankie Taber became tearful while speaking with fellow housemates Pauline Adeyemo and Johanne Cade. They didn’t know the reason for his distress, but they stayed with him, listened and offered support rather than demanding an explanation.
Later, in the Diary Room, Frankie shared that he had joined the programme intending to come out as bisexual. He spoke honestly about carrying guilt and shame, fearing that he had disappointed people and worrying about how those closest to him might respond. Big Brother reassured him that he had not let anyone down.
What makes the moment so relevant to this year’s World Mental Health Day theme is that the listening came before the full story. Frankie didn’t have to explain everything before his feelings were treated as real. The people around him responded first to the person in front of them: someone who was struggling and needed patience and care.
Why this year’s theme is so important
The theme reminds us that disclosure is not owed to anyone. Someone might need time before they can name what they are carrying or they may choose not to share it at all. It’s important that we still listen without judgement and show that support is available. When someone later feels safe enough to speak in their own words, being heard can loosen isolation and help replace shame with connection.
A place where your story can be heard
It can be difficult to put an experience into words, especially if you’ve felt dismissed. Counselling offers a confidential space to explore what you are carrying, at your own pace, with someone trained to listen.
We’re here for you, if you’re feeling unsure about where to turn or simply need someone to talk to. Please reach out. You don’t need a referral – we are an open access service and have a range of counsellors to suit your needs.
You can click here to contact your closest centre.
