SOUTHAMPTON organisations and individuals nominated by the public for their positive, kind approach to mental health have gained ‘star status’ from a charity committed to making the city mental health friendly (February 2026).
Back in October, Southampton Mental Health Network, endorsed by Southampton City Council and the NHS, invited people to put forward those creating kind environments and promoting good mental health.
Southampton Mental Health Network Administrator, Chloe Naegeli, explains: “Each quarter, we invite nominations for businesses, charities, organisations and individuals who Southampton residents, and anyone working in the city, believe deserve one of our Stars for Stars.
“We’ve completed our second set of nominations and from these have several worthy recipients including Southampton City Mission, Re:Minds, Make and Brew, the Round About Café in Mansbridge, St Christopher’s Church Thornhill, Southampton Central Library, Board in the City, VIP Empowerment with Vie and Oasis Southampton City Farm. This time we also received nominations for a handful of individuals who nominators feel are making a real difference in our city. They’re Hannah Tilley a Farm Youth Lead at Southampton City Farm and Michelle Wheeler, Social Prescriber, Walnut Tree Surgery, as well as members of the public: Betty Harmer and Tess Ward. We had a lovely selection and we’re very grateful to those who took the time to make nominations.”
Southampton Mental Health Network heard about how Oasis Southampton City Farm creates a safe, supportive and uplifting environment, especially for people facing mental health challenges and how Michelle Wheeler at Walnut Tree Surgery provided moral, psychological, emotional and practical support during an extremely difficult period in someone’s life.
Tom Kitcher Farm Manager, Oasis Southampton City Farm, says: “This recognition means a huge amount to our team. Everyone at Southampton City Farm – our volunteers and staff – puts real care and energy into building genuine connections with the people who come through our gates. Knowing that our efforts make a positive difference to people’s mental health is incredibly meaningful and it motivates us to keep showing up for our community and growing this support together.”
The team also heard how Round About Café, Mansbridge was an inclusive, welcoming community space, where staff and volunteers foster connection and belonging and how VIP Empowerment with Vie helps mainly women and young people embrace and love who they are, promoting self‑esteem and personal empowerment.
Hayley Binstead, Managing Director of Board in the City, which was also a winner and the venue for the award presentation and photograph, says: “It is a joy to be recognised for all that we do, not that we do it for recognition of course. We always say that the feeling of support happens just by walking through the door – it is not tangible. Also, by working together with Southampton Mental Health Network and others who truly advocate for a fairer mental health world – we are a step closer to this being the norm.”
Another recipient this quarter was Re:Minds – it was recognised for supporting mental wellbeing, with the nominator highlighting the organisation’s positive impact.
Angi Carey, Deputy CEO says: “Re:Minds is delighted to have been nominated for a Stars for Stars Award. After a decade of providing peer‑led services and support for families across Southampton, this recognition means a great deal to us. We are deeply grateful to whoever put our name forward.”
The Stars for Stars initiative was conceived by Southampton Mental Health Network co-founding member, and the first leader of its SMILE (Southampton Mental Illness Lived Experience) group, Saire Herschel-Clark.
Chloe continues: “Saire came up with the idea of awarding stars to city businesses, organisations and individuals after receiving reassuring help during an episode at Sainsbury’s in Portswood last year. The experience made her realise that if more places offered similar support, she’d feel more confident going out and could recommend them to others.
“After she shared the idea with the Network’s Trustees, everyone agreed to create an official scheme allowing people to nominate businesses, places and individuals who champion good mental wellbeing in Southampton. We’re truly indebted to Saire for inspiring it.”
Southampton Mental Health Network is now asking people to get in touch to put forward anyone they think deserves a star in the February to April quarter.
Chloe adds: “We have Stars for Stars details in the news section of our website, where people can complete and submit a short nomination form, or contact us to request one, explaining why they’re nominating a particular business or individual.
“Each star is valid for one year. All visits and star awards are free, and you don’t need to be a member of Southampton Mental Health Network to be considered. We provide brief guidelines for recipients on how stars can be displayed in print, online and on social media, and each star includes the presentation date.”
Southampton Mental Health Network aims to create welcoming spaces for discussion, be understanding and supportive of those living with mental health challenges, boost wellbeing and improve knowledge and awareness in the city.
Working together, its member organisations, which currently total nearly 100, want to make Southampton a mental wellbeing friendly city, ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion for all.
For further details and to make a nomination, please visit www.SMHN.org.uk.
