|
Welcome to our March newsletter
Keep up to date with all our latest news, resources, campaigns, fundraising ideas and wellbeing tips.
|
|
International Women’s Day 2026: celebrating one of Solent Mind’s female volunteers
|
|
|
To mark International Women’s Day on Sunday 8 March, we celebrated one of our female volunteers, Katie Anderson.
Katie has been helping in our support groups in Portsmouth. She said it was her own experience of anxiety that led her into volunteering.
“After finishing university, I began experiencing daily panic attacks and memory loss, and just getting through the day felt overwhelming. Volunteering helped me rebuild my confidence.
|
|
“I love having the opportunity to share empathy and support others. It’s also great for my own personal growth.”
CEO, Sally Arscott, expressed her gratitude for Katie’s incredible contribution to Solent Mind. “As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I want to say a huge thank you to Katie and all the incredible women who are working to support mental health in our communities,” said Sally. “And to all the volunteers who give up their time to support Solent Mind – a huge thank you. We couldn’t do it without you!”
Read more here.
|
|
Supporting our forces families
Solent Mind has officially launched Military Minds with an online event attended by individuals from military organisations, the NHS, and a range of local businesses and charities across the region.
Our CEO, Sally Arscott, led the session, joined by guest speaker, Anna Wright, CEO of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT). Read more about the launch here.
Our Anchoring Minds service is looking to enhance our offer for Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel and their families.
If you work in the Navy or Marines, or you’re a family member, we’d be grateful if you could provide your feedback via our anonymous Anchoring Minds survey.
|
|
|
Remind welcomes Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Portsmouth
Solent Mind’s Remind service recently welcomed the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Portsmouth to one of its dementia support groups.
The service’s activity groups are available to people as part of an agreed support plan. This time it was a music quiz and a light-hearted take on ‘beer pong’ using sweets, and the Lord and Lady Mayor got fully involved.
Find out more here.
|
|
|
Supporting mental health in menopause
Our Workplace Wellbeing Training team have been delivering menopause and mental health taster sessions to businesses and individuals this month, providing participants with advice on how to look after themselves and their co-workers.
Attendees said, ‘it helped me start the conversation about menopause’ and ‘love the message about celebrating this stage of our lives’.
To find out more about Solent Mind’s training courses, visit our website.
|
|
|
Open Minds counselling service – special offer!
Our new self-paid counselling service, Open Minds, will be launching on 1 April, offering accessible, compassionate support for people in Hampshire.
If you book a 50‑minute session by 30 June, this will be at the discounted cost of £40 (normally £45).
To find out more visit our new Open Minds webpage.
|
|
|
| Fancy taking on a challenge for Solent Mind?
Would you like to take part in one of our fundraising challenges, and help us support mental health in Hampshire?
Whether you want to run, walk, or even skydive, we have a range of events you can sign up for in 2026.
And it’s not too late to sign up for the ABP Southampton Marathon festival this May – with the new 5K route, there’s a race for everyone!
Find out more on our website.
|
|
|
Egg-cellent Easter activities at Mayfield
If you’re looking for ideas to keep the family entertained this Easter, head to our Mayfield Garden Centre in Southampton, Monday 30 March – Friday 10 April.
Take part in a free Easter egg hunt or colouring competition to win a prize, along with a 10% off voucher for the café. Or check out a range of Easter craft sets, available to buy in the centre’s gift shop.
We look forward to seeing you there – and dogs are welcome too!
|
|
|
|
|
