Solent Minds

Welcome to our May newsletter

Keep up to date with all our latest news, resources, campaigns, fundraising ideas and wellbeing tips.

Supporting people to #Thrive in Mental Health Awareness Week

For Mental Health Awareness Week (11-17 May) 2026, we launched our ‘Thrive’ campaign, which highlights the healthy habits and support services that can help people across the region maintain positive wellbeing. Centred around the national awareness week’s ‘Take action’ theme, ‘Thrive’ also emphasised the importance of self-care and connection in supporting good mental health.

A social media takeover provided signposting to Solent Mind’s services alongside tips and advice to show how people experiencing a mental health issue can thrive.

We also encouraged people to ‘pick up the phone’ for support – even if that’s just connecting with a friend or loved one.

And, following a collaboration with second year BA (Hons) Television Production students from Southampton Solent University, we shared the first series of short videos on our website, exploring young people’s experiences of mental health and wellbeing.

For more information about our #Thrive campaign, visit our website.

Wellbeing Centre open events

Throughout Mental Health Awareness Week, our wellbeing centres across Hampshire held open events for members of the public wanting to find out more about our services.

Some of our services also joined community events, supporting groups and businesses by providing mental health support signposting. This includes our Anchoring Minds team visiting HMS Sultan in Gosport to support their mental health awareness event 'stand easy'.

Taking action for mental health in the workplace

During Mental Health Awareness Week, our Workplace Wellbeing Training Team supported around 130 people through sessions on the 5 Ways to Wellbeing and mental health awareness.

We’ve been delighted by the feedback received. One attendee shared: “The most important thing I learnt was guidance on how to help each other, as well as oneself.”

You can find out more about the range of courses we have on our website, or try a free 30-minute taster session here.

ABP Southampton Marathon Festival runners raise £7,000!

A huge thank you to the team of fundraisers who took part in the ABP Southampton Marathon Festival on Sunday 3 May on behalf of Solent Mind. These funds will make a real difference to supporting mental health in Hampshire.

Gina, one of the marathon-runners said: “When I was 17, I suffered with chronic depression. I had support from Solent Mind’s Mayfield Garden Centre, and to have the opportunity to give back, means so much to me.”

If you’d like to take part in a challenge in aid of Solent Mind, find out more here.

Solent Mind service user shares her story

Tina accessed our NHS Talking Therapies Employment Support service after experiencing stress and burnout at work. She has described the support she received as ‘life-changing’.

She explained: “I was in a job that was causing me significant stress, and with the support I received from the employment service, I’m now in a job that I love! I also believe in myself and know that I have many valuable skills to give to my employer.”

Read the full story here.

Give your wellbeing a boost at our Mayfield Garden Centre

For anyone needing a little pick-me-up, why not make a visit to our wonderful Mayfield Garden Centre, in Weston, Southampton?

Based in the old walled garden at Mayfield Park, it makes for a calming retreat if you fancy taking a break from the hustle and bustle of life.

With a range of plants and gifts available for your home and garden, as well as a café that offers a selection of food and drink, it’s the perfect place for a little wellbeing boost.