Southampton is gearing up for its first-ever Mental Health Friendly Day with just days to go until the citywide event takes place on July 8, 2026.
Coordinated by Southampton Mental Health Network and supported by Southampton City Council (SCC) and the NHS, the day will unite people for activities promoting positive mental health at neighbourhood level citywide.
Sue Hayward, Chair of Southampton Mental Health Network’s Board of Trustees, who is also a Mental Health Educator and Trainer, says: “As we get closer to Southampton Mental Health Friendly Day, it’s wonderful to see so many organisations, groups and individuals coming together to support the wellbeing of our city and to boost our social connectedness.
“There really is something for everyone happening on and around July 8. Whether it’s attending a community event, joining an activity or simply taking time to connect with others over a cuppa in a café, we’d encourage as many people, organisations, charities and businesses as possible to get involved.
“You don’t have to be a Southampton Mental Health Network member to take part or to be a company like a café that’s customer facing. This is a citywide initiative open to everyone and it’s all about helping people feel connected, supported and part of their community – whether that’s at work, in education or on the street where they live. Even saying hello to someone new, when the environment is right and you feel safe to do so, is important, and we’d be delighted if everyone tried this too.”
As part of the build-up and to help promote Southampton Mental Health Friendly Day, people are also being encouraged to look out for an awareness campaign on digital advertising screens on roadsides, street hubs, in libraries and at bus stops citywide. This has been facilitated by SCC and will run from July 7 until 20.
A variety of organisations from across the city are taking part, including SCC, Hampshire and Isle of Wight (HIOW) NHS Healthcare Trust, Southampton Voluntary Service (SVS), No Limits, Communicare in Southampton, The Probation Service, Solent Mind and KvLS Mental Health Support.
Activities are planned throughout Southampton, not only on the day itself, but also across the surrounding week, offering opportunities for people of all ages to connect, take part and support their mental wellbeing in a positive way.
Full listings of events and activities can be found on the charity’s Social Connectedness Guide on its website: smhn.org.uk.
Sue adds: “Feeling connected to others is vital for positive mental health. By bringing together everything happening across the city, we want to make it as easy as possible for people to get involved and feel part of their community.
“We already have so much great work taking place across Southampton to support social connectedness, and this is a fantastic opportunity to highlight it while inspiring even more people to join in.”
Those wishing to add an event to the Guide for free can complete the online form here: fill out form or email smhn@communicareinsouthampton.org.uk.
As part of the countdown to July 8, Southampton Mental Health Network also has free downloadable posters, social media graphics, logos and other promotional materials to help charities, groups, businesses and individuals raise awareness across the city of the Social Connectedness Guide and Southampton Mental Health Friendly Day.
Marketing resources can be downloaded here: Media Toolkit – Dropbox or via the organisation’s website.
For further details and to view the full programme of activities and events taking place around and on July 8, please visit www.smhn.org.uk.
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