AN ORGANISATION dedicated to making Southampton a mental health friendly city and ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion for all has succeeded in its bid to become a charity (October 2022).
Southampton Mental Health Network CIO (SMHN, Charitable Incorporated Organisation), which had more than 100 member organisations involved in its development, has been given the greenlight by the Charity Commission.
Sue Hayward, Interim Chair of Trustees for SMHN and mental health educator, trainer, coach and mentor who teaches the Mental Health First Aid Course, says: “We’re delighted with this wonderful news. It’s a significant step forward towards our goal.
“We look forward to organisations and individuals joining us to make Southampton a mental health-friendly city for all. Mental health is so much more than a diagnosis of a mental health condition. We ALL have mental health and can work towards keeping ourselves well. We aim to create welcoming spaces for discussion, be understanding and supportive of those living with mental ill-health, boost wellbeing and resilience and improve attitudes, awareness and education in the city.”
SMHN now has the Registered Charity Number 1200515. The Charity Commission said it had based its decision to register the organisation on its assessment of the information supplied during the application process. It was satisfied that SMHN is established for charitable purposes only for the public benefit.
Abi Mason, SMHN’s Administrator, explains: “It’s great to finally be able to say we’re a charity. Having good mental health is just as important as having good physical health. They go hand-in-hand.
“Our members provide a range of support, information and activities to support both good mental and physical health. One in four of us are likely to have a mental health issue and nearly all of us are going to face something within this area related to a loved one.
“We don’t know at what point in our lives, young or old, when we may need help. Our diverse membership ensures that we are working towards meeting the needs of all residents of Southampton.”
SMHN first became publicly active in 2019.
Working together, with its individual members and member organisations, it wants to make Southampton a mental health friendly city, ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion for all.
The network is supported by Southampton City Council and the Clinical Commissioning Group through the Integrated Commissioning Unit (ICU).
To join or find out more about SMHN, please visit www.smhn.org.uk.
