Southampton’s journey to becoming mental health friendly

Southampton is taking steps towards becoming a more mental health friendly city—thanks in part to the work of local residents like Rebecca Beddall.

Rebecca, who’s in her 20s and has worked in mental health inpatient services, helped organise and analyse a recent survey for Southampton Mental Health Network (SMHN) alongside volunteer Andy Fulford.

The findings, released ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week (May 12–18), offer important insight into the city’s mental health landscape.

Rebecca explains: “Stage one of the survey was conducted in 2021. It asked respondents what would help make Southampton a mental health friendly city. 87% of those surveyed in 2021 said that the most important thing is access to support when needed. Support can take many forms including ‘services’, or help/support from groups, friends, family or colleagues. The stage two survey, the results of which have just been released, asked for views on the support that would be most valuable to the respondents and others they know.”

The Network found that more than 50% of respondents had either lived experience of poor/low mental health or a friend/family member with lived experience. Many said they wanted more local, affordable and easily accessible help, as well as opportunities to connect with others.

In response, SMHN has created a searchable website of local services and events.

Membership is open to individuals and organisations for just £2 a year. Find out more and get involved at: https://www.smhn.org.uk/.

SMHN was established by Southampton Communicare, a member of the Good Neighbours Network.