SOUTHAMPTON organisations, businesses and residents are being invited to join a charity on a mission to help the city become mental health friendly (February 2024).
Southampton Mental Health Network, supported by Southampton City Council, wants to grow its membership to encourage people to work together and focus on making Southampton a better place for everyone.
Chair of the charity’s Board of Trustees, Susan Hayward, who is also Mental Health Educator and Trainer, says: “We are looking at ways we can collectively collaborate to help make our city a happier place where everyone can thrive. It’s all about how we work together, how we behave towards each other and what we value as residents and workers in our city.
“Everyone is invited to join Southampton Mental Health Network to help make our city a mental health friendly city, ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion for all.
“We all know it’s the right thing to do. It’s about giving back and making a difference, and it’s not arduous, nor time consuming or expensive. Because our members get to know what’s going on in the city, through our weekly Roundup email, they become more aware of mental health friendly events and opportunities too. In fact, creating channels for better communication is all part of the work we’re doing.”
Southampton Mental Health Network is asking individuals, aged 18 plus, living or working within postcodes SO14-19 and representatives of organisations supporting residents in the city of Southampton to join for £2 per person. Membership lasts for one year and entitles members to take part in relevant meetings and events set-up by the charity, and to receive a weekly e-newsletter.
Member organisations can also submit events, activities and news to be considered for inclusion on the charity’s website www.smhn.org.uk, have them shared in its weekly Roundup email and also, when tagged, on its social media platforms. However, sharing and inclusion is not endorsement.
Ling Salter, a member of Southampton Mental Health Network and Founder of Compassionate Cuppa CIC, whose aim is to uplift mental wellbeing – one cuppa at a time, says: “I have been involved with the development of Southampton Mental Health Network from its early days and it’s a great way to link up with others who share my passion regarding the issues of our mental health and wellbeing. We are united in our mission to make Southampton and beyond a Mental Health Friendly City; let’s achieve this together.”
Southampton Mental Health Network became publicly active in 2019 and, with more than 100 member organisations involved in its development, became a charity in September 2022.
Working together, these organisations want to make Southampton a mental wellbeing friendly city, ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion for all.
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.
Susan adds: “Everyone’s views are relevant, no matter what your experience of mental wellbeing is. At Southampton Mental Health Network, we believe that mental wellbeing is something we all need to be aware of, whether you feel mentally well or struggle with poor mental health, as we can all play our part in making Southampton a mental health friendly city.”
For further details or to join Southampton Mental Health Network, please visit www.smhn.org.uk.
