Residents & workers help shape Southampton’s journey to becoming ‘mental health friendly’
RESIDENTS and workers who completed our council-backed survey are helping influence Southampton’s journey to becoming a more mental health friendly city (May 2025).
Ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week from May 12-18, we have released the findings from stage two of our research and the results could help shape future provision.
Stage one & two
Network member Rebecca Beddall, who is in her 20s and has worked in mental health inpatient services, helped organise the survey and analyse the results with volunteer Andy Fulford. She explains: “Stage one of the survey was conducted in 2021. It asked respondents what would help make Southampton a mental health friendly city.
“87% of those surveyed in 2021 said that the most important thing is access to support when needed. Support can take many forms including ‘services’, or help/support from groups, friends, family or colleagues. The stage two survey, the results of which have just been released, asked for views on the support that would be most valuable to the respondents and others they know.”
Results
Our organisation, which is supported by Southampton City Council, found more than 50% of respondents had either lived experience of poor/low mental health or a friend/family member with lived experience.
Rebecca adds: “The majority of respondents said more local, affordable and easily accessible help was needed, as well as the chance to connect with others. They asked for further assistance to access information and services too.”
Access
We aim 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.
Our survey revealed respondents thought there should be greater availability to counselling and talking therapies, advice on lifestyle and group support, including peer, activity and social groups, as well as others.
They also asked for further assistance to access information and services in the city and at a neighbourhood level.
Signposting
Chair of our Board of Trustees, Sue Hayward, who is also a Mental Health Educator and Trainer, says: “We know there are lots of organisations in the city that do offer the services and activities that respondents have requested.
“It appears people just don’t know about them. One of our roles is to bring organisations and individuals together. We’ve created a website to signpost people and help them take control of protecting their mental wellbeing by finding something that works for them. To address the request for local services, we’ve also added functionality to allow people to search for services and events by postcode, so they can find something local. It’s part of our ongoing steps to help make Southampton a more mental health friendly city by improving awareness.
Our Network
“We now want more organisations to join our Network so their details, services and events can be uploaded to our website for people to find them too. We’re hoping to create one extensive central resource for Southampton where people can go and search for the help they need, on their doorstep.
“As an organisation we’re 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.
How to join us
“We’re always looking for more people to join our Network to help make Southampton a mental health friendly city, ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion for all. Individuals, aged 18 plus, living or working within postcodes SO14-19 and representatives of organisations supporting residents or those working in the city of Southampton can join for an annual membership fee of just £2 per person.