A GROUP of community-nominated Southampton individuals and organisations have this month been crowned as ‘stars’ by a charity championing kindness and positive approaches to mental health citywide (April 2026).
Southampton Mental Health Network, endorsed by Southampton City Council and the NHS, invited people to nominate those creating kind environments and promoting good mental health at the start of the year.
Chloe Naegeli, Administrator for Southampton Mental Health Network, explains: “Every quarter, we open nominations for businesses, charities, organisations and individuals who residents and workers in our city believe deserve recognition and to be named as one of our coveted Southampton Stars.
“We’ve recently completed our third round of nominations, which highlighted a fantastic group of recipients. These included Hammersley Homes, Unpaid Carers Support Southampton, St Christopher’s Church in Thornhill for its Family Activity Mornings and Awaaz FM Community Radio. We were also delighted to receive nominations for some very special individuals making a real difference in the city. They’re the reception team at Living Well Partnership – Bitterne Park Surgery, Louise Hallett founder of Hammersley Homes and Sarah Renaut from Southampton Street Angels. The range and quality of nominations this quarter was wonderful and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to put an organisation, business or person forward.”
Southampton Mental Health Network heard in its numerous anonymous nominations how Hammersley Homes was the first organisation where one nominator felt truly understood. Hammersley Homes was praised for being deeply passionate about making the lives of people with enduring mental illness matter, including individuals with complex needs.
The team at Unpaid Carers Support Southampton was nominated for its longstanding commitment to supporting carers’ mental health and wellbeing. A nominator said: “Unpaid Carers Support Southampton consistently go above and beyond by listening, offering emotional support and enabling carers to continue in their vital roles.”
Debbie Hendry, Service Manager at Unpaid Carers Support, says: “We are incredibly proud to have been nominated for the Stars for Stars Award. Our team is dedicated to supporting unpaid carers with their mental health, enabling them to continue in their vital role of caring for others.”
The team also heard how Awaaz FM Community Radio goes far beyond the role of a traditional radio station by actively supporting mental health and wellbeing within the community, including creating safe, inclusive physical and virtual spaces where individuals can talk openly and feel less isolated. Another nominator praised the volunteers at St Christopher’s Church’s Family Activity Mornings for creating a welcoming, calm and inclusive environment for families.
The receptionists at Living Well Partnership – Bitterne Park Surgery also received a star in this tranche for being exceptionally kind, patient and efficient by their anonymous nominator who said: “They consistently provide reassurance and support, especially to individuals experiencing anxiety, giving them time and space to express their needs without judgement.”
Meanwhile, Louise Hallett was nominated for being ‘the beating heart of Hammersley Homes’. The nominator believes the organisation, which provides support for life for adults experiencing mental health challenges and psychotic illnesses, would not exist without her continued commitment, passion and leadership.
Louise says: “I founded the charity in 2018; something I’d wanted to do for many years, having witnessed the gap in our public services for long-term ongoing support for vulnerable adults who live with enduring mental ill-health.
“My sister has struggled with serious mental illness for 50 years now and my parents died worrying about who would care and support her. I wanted to be able to say WE WILL – and now we do, in Hampshire at least. My dream is for our service to be available nationwide.”
Another individual recipient this quarter was Sarah Renaut, who was nominated for her work helping homeless people. The nomination recognises her personal contribution and commitment through Southampton Street Angels.
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 April to June 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.
