2022 was London’s first-ever Great Mental Health Day and this year it’s back, to bring thousands of people across the capital together, sharing how they support mental health and wellbeing.
This year’s event will take place on Friday, January 27, and is for communities in London.
But what is Great Mental Health Day and how can you get involved?
What is Great Mental Health Day?
The purpose of Great Mental Health Day is to encourage conversation about mental health and wellbeing and to reduce the stigma that is frequently associated with it. It's also a chance to find out more about fantastic neighborhood projects and assistance programmes that are on offer. Most interactive and film events offer secondary access.
What is the theme for Great Mental Health Day 2023?
The theme for 2023 is celebrating the power of community kindness.
It has been our communities, friends, and families who have played the most significant role in helping us through difficult times together in a year that has remained challenging for many of us. Great Mental Health Day 2023 will highlight the importance of neighborliness and how Londoners have joined together for one another.
How can I get involved in Great Mental Health Day?
Why not get involved with making a difference, by holding a free event, such as a local workshop or exercise class, talking about wellbeing in your workplace, or creating a space to make or share art? All events organised for Great Mental Health Day will be advertised on an interactive map, allowing Londoners to find events they would like to attend.
Where are events taking place?
Use the interactive map to explore events, initiatives, and show support in your area.
Alternatively, head straight to London’s digital wellbeing service, Good Thinking, which highlights an extensive range of free NHS-approved wellbeing tools and resources.
More than 700,000 people have used the free, digital programme since its introduction in 2017, to address anxiety, stress, poor mood, sleep issues, as well as other problems.
Resources for help with mental health
- Samaritans. You can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone), email jo@samaritans.org or visit some branches in person.
- SANEline. If you’re experiencing a mental-health problems or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10.30pm every day).
- Shout. If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental-health support, you could text SHOUT to 85258. Shout offers a confidential 24/7 text service providing support if you are in crisis and need immediate help.
- National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK. Offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK on 0800 689 5652 (6pm–3.30am daily).
- Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). You can call CALM on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight every day) if you are struggling and need to talk. Or, if you prefer not to speak on the phone, you could try the CALM webchat service.
- The Mix. If you’re under 25, you can call The Mix on 0808 808 4994 (3pm to midnight daily), request support by email using this form on The Mix website, or use their crisis text-messenger service.
- Papyrus HOPELINEUK. If you’re under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 (weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 2pm-10pm, and bank holidays 2pm–10pm), email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697.
- Nightline. If you’re a student, you can look on the Nightline website to see if your university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students, too.
- Switchboard. If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender, you can call Switchboard on 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day), email chris@switchboard.lgbt or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+.
Other mental health days and events
World Bipolar Day - March 30
Schizophrenia Awareness Day - July 25
World Suicide Prevention Day - September 10
World Mental Health Day - October 10
Stress Awareness Day - November 2
