This week is Local Mind Week (5 - 11 August) and we’re taking the opportunity to highlight how our services across the region are supporting local people with their mental health and wellbeing.

Being part of the Mind family, which includes over 100 local Minds across England, Wales and the Channel Islands, means we benefit from the resources, research, and advocacy efforts of the national Mind Federation. Our local services are informed by the latest developments and best practices in mental health care, but we’re also an independent charity working to support local people.

Our CEO, Sally Arscott, said: “Our goal is to provide high-quality, personalised support that makes a real difference to the lives of individuals and families in the Solent region.

“We are proud to be part of the broader Mind Federation, but we operate independently, allowing us to focus specifically on the specific needs of people living in the local area.

“Home to an exceptionally diverse range of communities, we serve urban and rural areas, areas of affluence and deprivation, and a broad range of cultures and ethnic groups. From this diversity stems a variety of needs, experiences and barriers to accessing mental health support.”

We offer a variety of mental health services across Hampshire, including peer support, talking therapies, crisis support and employment support to help people living with mental health conditions secure and stay in employment. We also have several wellbeing centres across the region (in Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport, Eastleigh, Winchester, and the New Forest), which provide a safe space for people to be themselves and to get back on track through a range of activities including short courses, support groups, creative workshops, and 1:1 emotional support.

Back in March, we attended the Local Minds Excellence Awards ceremony, run by National Mind in Birmingham, and we received an award for the ‘Most Effective Services’.

Open to all 100 Minds, the judges identified that Solent Mind’s services displayed all five hallmarks of excellence - expertise, courage, vision, creativity and commitment - in their winning category. They said that our organisation was “a real example of breaking down barriers and an inclusive and unafraid culture.”

Sally commented at the time: “This award highlights the good work achieved by Solent Mind peer support workers working across Hampshire, who with their background of lived experience and specialist training, work alongside the individuals in the community to support them in the best possible way to deliver excellent person-centred care.”

Now in its third year, Local Mind Week is aimed at sharing the crucial role local Minds play within the broader national Mind family.

Support us as your local Mind: donate now so we can help more people to develop positive mental wellbeing, live well and thrive.