INDIVIDUALS and organisations nominated by the community for championing kindness and positive attitudes to mental health in Southampton have been recently crowned as ‘stars’ by a city charity (October 2026).
Members of the public were invited by Southampton Mental Health Network, which is City Council and NHS endorsed, to nominate those creating kind environments and promoting good mental health.
Administrator for Southampton Mental Health Network, Stuart Wilson explains: “Every quarter, we invite residents and workers throughout Southampton to nominate the businesses, charities, organisations and individuals they believe deserve recognition as one of our Southampton Stars for Stars. The awards are all about celebrating those who go above and beyond to make a positive difference in our communities.
“This latest round of nominations has once again highlighted some truly inspiring organisations and people. We’re delighted to recognise the team behind the Social Sunday Run Club, Thurun and Strong Mamas – Danny Thompson, Kayleigh Coombs and Nathan Green, Tia Binstead from Easy Tz Meals, Jake Plummer and Tsvetelina Georgieva from Saints Foundation were both nominated personally. Each has shown outstanding dedication, passion and commitment to supporting others and improving the lives of people in Southampton.
“The standard of nominations was exceptional and it’s wonderful to see so many city champions being recognised for their hard work. We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to submit a nomination and help shine a spotlight on the people making Southampton a stronger, more connected and supportive place to live.”
Southampton Mental Health Network heard how the Social Sunday Run Club, Thurun and Strong Mamas had built a network of inclusive spaces. Danny, Kayleigh and Nathan were praised for their extraordinary commitment to Southampton.
Their nominator, who wishes not to be named, said: “They have created a lifeline for mental health, social connection and personal recovery. At the heart of their work is the principle that no one is left behind.
“Social Sunday Run Club is a free, community-driven initiative that welcomes any person at any pace.”
Danny says: “This award means a lot to me, but I know it means a lot to the community of Social Sunday Run Club as well.
“This credit cannot just go to myself and to those who help run this community but to each community member that carries our values. It’s been the biggest task I’ve taken on, to shape a community that truly supports everyone and for all the right reasons. I am extremely proud of this community and this award.”
Strong Mamas is a programme run by Kayleigh that allows parents to train alongside their children.
The nominator said: “This initiative is crucial for helping new parents maintain their sense of identity and physical wellbeing during a major life transition. I have witnessed the good it has done for people’s mental health. Danny, Kayleigh and Nathan are the embodiment of what it means to support mental health through community action. Their work is selfless, relentless and has fundamentally changed the lives of hundreds of people in Southampton. They deserve to be recognised for their unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of others.”
Kayleigh started Strong Mamas with her eight-month-old baby plus a few new friends she’d met at a church baby group so they could come together to exercise.
She says: “To now be awarded with the Stars for Stars award is simply incredible. I am very grateful to be in this position and to be able to positively impact women’s lives.
“Strong Mamas isn’t about bouncing back after having a baby, it’s a journey and an evolution of self. Taking time to find yourself again in this new stage of life after becoming a mother.
“The community of mums that have come and gone over the years, have been nothing short of amazing. The support, comfort, praise and understanding they offer each other is beautiful to watch.”
Tia Binstead from Easy Tz Meals was praised for being an asset to the community.
Her nominator, who wishes to be unnamed, said: “She uses surplus foods (food destined for landfill) to make meals that can be delivered to your door. But it is so much more than just the meals. She was a massive help to me when I was really struggling with my mental health and isolating myself.
“Tia just is so supportive and I know has linked up and helped lots of other vulnerable people in the community. While making the meals, Easy Tz Meals donate lots to the community and charities and people in need in the area i.e. Wessex Heartbeat, local schools, feeding kids through the half terms, YMCA centres, frontline workers and families through Covid, Shelter programme and supporting local churches and other communities and CICs with events. All year around including Christmas dinners.”
Easy TZ Meals have been operating in the city since COVID first struck in 2020.
Tia says: “What an honour to be nominated for this Stars for Stars award. We pride ourselves on our personable deliveries, where we delight in getting to know our customers and work with their needs.
“A big thing for us doing meal deliveries during the COVID times was to ensure we could provide a social and wellness visit for our customers alongside their meal delivery, so to get feedback on how much it meant to one of our customers enough for them to nominate us for this award was a dream come true.
“I hope our social enterprise service helps other people and gives them an uplift in their mental health and that other people in the community won’t underestimate the power of how a five-minute doorstep conversation can change in someone’s day.”
Meanwhile, Jake and Tsvetelina from Saints Foundation were nominated because of their course facilitation, which their nominator said made a real difference to men’s mental health in Southampton.
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.
Stuart continues: “The idea for Southampton Stars for Stars came from Saire, who was inspired after receiving reassuring support during an episode at a supermarket in Portswood. The experience showed her just how valuable understanding, compassion and practical help can be and it made her think about how much easier it would be for people experiencing mental health challenges if more places and individuals offered that same level of support.
“When Saire shared her idea with the Southampton Mental Health Network Trustees, they immediately recognised its potential. Together, we developed Southampton Stars as a way for local people to celebrate the businesses, organisations and individuals who help promote positive mental wellbeing across our city. We’re incredibly grateful to Saire for her vision and enthusiasm, which have helped create a scheme that shines a light on those making Southampton a more supportive and inclusive place for everyone.”
Southampton Mental Health Network is now asking people to get in touch to put forward anyone they think deserves a star in the October to December quarter.
Stuart adds: “Details about the Stars for Stars scheme can be found in the news section of our website, where people can complete a simple nomination form to recognise a business, organisation or individual making a positive difference to mental wellbeing in Southampton. Alternatively, anyone can contact us directly to request a form and explain why they feel their nominee deserves recognition.
“Each Southampton Star is awarded for a period of one year. The nomination process, visits and awards are completely free and recipients do not need to be members of Southampton Mental Health Network to be considered. We also provide guidance on how stars can be displayed in printed materials, online and across social media channels, helping recipients showcase their achievement and commitment to supporting positive mental wellbeing. Every award includes the date it was presented, creating a lasting record of the recognition received.
“We ask that individuals don’t nominate themselves, or the organisation or place where they work or to which they are closely connected.
“Nominators can ask that they are not publicly named, but we do request contact details so nominations can be verified if needed. We warmly encourage service users, their friends, family members, supporters and community members to submit nominations – your voices are what make this people‑powered and meaningful.”
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.
