In celebration of International Women’s Day (8 March), we are shining a spotlight on some of the incredible women within our organisation who are making a profound impact on mental health in Hampshire.

Women have long been at the heart of the mental health sector, and Solent Mind’s female employees play a vital role in ensuring the charity fulfils its purpose to support everyone in the region to develop positive mental wellbeing, live well and thrive.

This International Women’s Day, we are recognising the outstanding work of several inspiring individuals whose dedication and compassion are transforming lives every day.

Among the women being highlighted is Sarah Byrne, Service Manager at The South West Hampshire Safe Haven, Solent Mind’s out-of-hours crisis support centre in Eastleigh. Sarah is leading an incredible team who have together made more than 900 crisis interventions since the centre’s launch in July 2023. “We’re a free service here for people experiencing a self-diagnosed mental health crisis,” said Sarah. “To know that you’ve made a difference to someone’s life, or even that they still have a life, is just amazing.”

Also supporting people in crisis is Ellie Laird, Peer Support Specialist. Ellie works in Solent Mind’s The Lighthouse service in Southampton. Drawing from her own lived experience with mental health challenges, she provides in-the-moment mental health support to anyone over 18 in the community. “The Lighthouse is a service I wish I knew existed when I needed it,” said Ellie. “Now I’m hugely proud to be helping others in similar situations.”

To add to this list of inspiring women is Becky Hawke, Senior Workplace Wellbeing Trainer, who, as part of Solent Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Training team, is equipping businesses across the region with the skills needed to support mental wellbeing in the workplace. Her efforts ensure that more employers have the confidence, tools and strategies to support their teams. Included in a selection of workshops and courses, Becky and the team offer training around menopause and mental health – invaluable when it comes to supporting female employees.

Passionate about raising awareness of mental health, Becky was also one of the guests on the first episode of Solent Mind’s new podcast series, Cause for Conversation. She spoke about how the charity’s award-winning peer support approach is providing the opportunity for its service users to talk to someone who’s ‘been there’. She said: “What is different and joyful about Solent Mind is that so many of us come with lived experience. There is an element of shared understanding. We’re all working to the same values, and that’s what makes us truly special.”

And it’s not just paid employees making a difference – volunteers are too. Debbie Knight, a volunteer at Mayfield Garden Centre in Southampton, part of Solent Mind, shares how giving back to the charity has also helped her on her own mental health journey. “When you’re living with mental health issues, it’s easy to feel alone. But here, everyone understands and celebrates our uniqueness,” she said. “I first came to Mayfield Garden Centre to take part in a wellbeing programme after my parents passed away. Now as a volunteer, I can give something back to this incredibly caring charity.”

Solent Mind is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment for all with wellbeing champions groups where participants are all trained mental health first-aiders and provide a listening ear. As an organisation the charity is also committed to equality with an EDI action group tackling specific themes such as neurodivergence, and staff-led networks including LGBTQIA+.

CEO, Sally Arscott, expressed her gratitude for the contributions of all of the charity’s employees and volunteers.

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we acknowledge the dedication and resilience of all the fantastic women working across Solent Mind,” said Sally. “Their passion and expertise not only strengthen our organisation but also inspire the people we are here to support.”

For more information about Solent Mind's services and the support available, please visit: Support for you | Trusted mental health services in Hampshire.