London’s Great Mental Health Day returns to get Londoners talking about their mental health

• Great Mental Health Day 2023 will celebrate the power of community kindness and tell the story of how we’ve come together for one another across London.

• Thrive LDN has launched an online, interactive map where Londoners can find local services and events that are taking place as part of the day.

• Londoners can get involved using #GreatMentalHealth to share their own stories, experiences and plans for the day across all social media platforms.

On Friday, 27 January 2023, London will host its second Great Mental Health Day to get Londoners talking about mental health, destigmatise asking for help and to raise awareness of the great support available across the region.

Great Mental Health Day 2023 is a London-wide initiative in its second year and will celebrate the power of community kindness, telling the story of how we’ve come together for one another across London.

The start of a new year is often a time for setting goals and seeing it as a chance for positive change or action. But for many of us, this time of year may feel challenging or lonely, particularly as increased cost-of-living pressures have an impact on many people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Londoners can get involved by exploring the campaign’s interactive map on Thrive LDN’s website or using the hashtag #GreatMentalHealth to share their own stories, experiences and plans for the day across all social media platforms.

Across London, 100s of free events and initiatives are expected to take place to mark Great Mental Health Day 2023, from small groups to large scale walk-in events in sports and community centres.

In north London a parent health event is being held at Tottenham Sports Centre and Warm Welcome spaces are welcoming residents across the Haringey borough. A similar Keep Well, Keep Warm day is planned at Willesden Sports Centre in north west London. In east London, Waltham Forest Town Hall will open its doors for an afternoon of wellbeing activities. In south west London, Whitton Community Centre in Twickenham will play host to dance, wellbeing and mindfulness sessions. Lambeth’s Health and Wellbeing Bus will be parked in Kennington, south east London, on Great Mental Health Day bringing information, advice and support into the heart of our communities.

Alongside local activities, Londoners can also join a selection of online webinars and workshops, from an introductory session on radical self-care to a Japanese flower arranging workshop. There is also a webinar from Good Thinking, London’s digital wellbeing service, outlining three simple steps to help you support others.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m proud that this year’s Great Mental Health highlights the incredible ways that Londoners support one another. At a time when we’re facing huge challenges, from the cost of living crisis to our recovery from the pandemic, it’s inspiring to see Londoners gather together to remind us that no-one is alone. Such support is vital as we work to build a better and more prosperous London for everyone.”

Councillor Kaya Comer-Schwartz, Leader of Islington Borough Council and Thrive LDN Co-Lead, said: “It is heart-warming to see so many events and activities come together from across the city to mark Great Mental Health Day this year.

“But we mustn’t be complacent. We can’t overlook the many challenges and pressures on Londoners which makes this even more important, particularly in light of the increased cost-of-living. By working together and being there for each other, I’m confident we can build a city where every Londoner feels supported to thrive.”

Stories of how Londoners have come together have been documented by Thrive LDN through a series of short films highlighting the power of community kindness. The stories show how Londoners are making a difference to those in their local community and beyond by supporting each other through the emotional pressures and challenges they may be feeling right now.

Eleven community examples range from ‘Meet Up Mondays’ in a Wimbledon pub, to song writing, rap and spoken word with young Londoners in Woolwich, as well as a family centre helping to provide empowerment and build confidence near Battersea Park. As well as showcasing how pupils at a school in south west London have set up their own ‘chitter chatter benches’ to encourage kindness and caring in the playground.

Professor Kevin Fenton CBE, London’s Regional Public Health Director, said: “In a year that’s remained difficult for many Londoners, it has been our communities, friends and families which have played the most important role in getting us through difficult times together.

“This Great Mental Health Day, let’s commit to keep being there for each other, to support and look after one another and to play our part in ensuring that, across all our diverse communities, we value mental health and physical health equally.”

Jane Clegg, Chief Nurse for the NHS in London, said: “We know January can be a particularly tough month for many, so Great Mental Health Day is a fantastic opportunity to tackle stigma around talking about mental health and take small steps to improving our mental wellbeing.

“And remember, if you are struggling to cope with day to day life, you are not alone and it is okay to ask for help. There are many free mental health services available across London that are here to support you, including NHS talking therapies. No one should suffer in silence.”

Dan Barrett, Thrive LDN director, said: “We’re delighted to be facilitating Great Mental Health Day again across London. When times are tough, it’s important that we look after our own and each other’s wellbeing. Reaching out to someone we trust is one of the most important things we can do to keep mentally well.

“Great Mental Health Day is a fantastic opportunity for Londoners to come together and at the same time learn more about the great local initiatives and support services that are available, right across London.”

For more details about the day visit the Great Mental Health Day campaign page.