Collaboration and innovation make London a global leader in public mental health

Eight years ago, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, made a commitment to improving Londoners’ mental health. In 2017, Thrive LDN was born out of that commitment.

• Mayor of London’s £4.4 million investment over eight years in public mental health initiatives across the region sees key achievements.
• #ZeroSuicideLDN campaign supports nearly 400,000 Londoners to complete online suicide prevention training.
• £580,000 supports more than 8,000 individuals from marginalised groups through enabling community-driven projects.
• More than 220,000 Londoners participate in Mayoral funded mental health and wellbeing activity as part of pandemic recovery programme.
• 5,600 education and youth workers upskilled in suicide awareness or youth mental health first aid training across all 32 London boroughs.

As London approaches the end of Mayor Khan’s second term in office, a new report from Thrive LDN reflects upon the partnership working that has taken place during the last eight years to support Londoners’ mental health and wellbeing.

Thrive LDN is a citywide public mental health partnership to ensure all Londoners have an equal opportunity for good mental health and wellbeing. The partnership brings together individuals, communities, and health and care partners to address mental health challenges and promote wellbeing for all Londoners.

In recent years London has emerged as a global leader in public mental health. By investing £4.4 million over eight years, the partnership has empowered hundreds of thousands of Londoners through resources, training, and community-building initiatives. The Mayor’s leadership has been instrumental in establishing Thrive LDN as a model for other cities across the global.

Thrive LDN & the Mayor of London details the key achievements in the region delivered through Mayoral support and investment. At the same time, the report acknowledges that many Londoners are facing heightened pressure and more challenges than ever before and looks ahead to the way in which partnership working can continue to tackle the challenges which face Londoners.

Through Thrive LDN, health and care partners have provided crucial resources and training throughout challenging periods, including the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis, and global displacement events. From trauma-informed training tailored to supporting affected individuals to coordinated efforts promoting financial well-being, the partnership has demonstrated its commitment to supporting Londoners when they need it most.

Thrive LDN’s success stems from its focus on collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation. The partnership actively engages with diverse communities, invests in grassroots efforts through the Right to Thrive initiative, and fosters inclusivity through an innovative equity framework.

The Mayor’s £580,000 investment in Right to Thrive alone has supported more than 8,000 individuals from marginalised groups through targeted community-driven projects.

Furthermore, Thrive LDN recognises the importance of research and community driven evidence-based solutions. Two recently funded academic multi-year partnerships, collectively worth £15 million, will position London at the forefront of global public mental health research. This research will be conducted in a democratic and inclusive manner, ensuring that the voices of Londoners are heard.

Commenting on the publication of the report, Dan Barrett, Thrive LDN director, said: “Thrive LDN is a great example of what can be achieved when we work together – individuals, communities, and health and care providers – to create a city where everyone feels supported and empowered to thrive.

“Looking ahead, we remain committed to creating a world-class public mental health system in London. This includes addressing the challenges presented by the pandemic, economic pressures, and social inequalities.

“Thrive LDN’s story is one of collaboration, resilience, and a sustained commitment to improving London’s mental health landscape. As we continue to work together, this story provides a valuable foundation for continued progress and positive impact on the lives of those living and working in London.”

Thrive LDN & the Mayor of London also includes a timeline of Thrive LDN’s history, analyses its effectiveness against key mayoral commitments, and highlights areas of ongoing focus.

The full report is available to read and download from the Thrive LDN website.