Southampton residents and workers are being urged to get involved with a charity’s research to find out what is required to make Southampton a more mental wellbeing friendly city.
Southampton Mental Health Network’s (SMHN) anonymous, online survey is focused on what is needed to improve the city’s mental wellbeing friendliness and the results could help shape future provision.
Abi Mason, SMHN’s administrator, pictured to said: “We would like to invite those who live and work in Southampton to complete our quick and easy online survey. In 2021, during the first stage of our survey, 87% of respondents said that the most important thing in making Southampton a mental wellbeing friendly city is access to support when needed.
“Support can take many forms including ‘services’, or help/support from groups, friends, family or colleagues. We’d now like to know everyone’s views on the support that’d be most valuable to them and others they know. We’re looking for a range of perspectives to help shape services for the future and would like people to get involved before the end of the month.
“Everyone’s views are relevant, no matter what your experience of mental wellbeing is. At SMHN, we believe that mental wellbeing is something we all need to be aware of, whether you feel mentally well or struggle with mental ill-health, as we all play our part in making Southampton a mental wellbeing friendly city.
“Our survey will be used by services and community organisations to help shape their current provisions, and to learn what could be improved, or added, in the future.”
SMHN became publicly active in 2019 and, with more than 100 member organisations involved in its development, became a charity in September last year.
Working together, these organisations want to make Southampton a mental wellbeing 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).
SMHN aims 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.
The survey can be accessed directly here.
To find out more about the survey or to join Southampton Mental Health Network and for further information, visit smhn.org.uk.
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