Solent Minds

Welcome to our August newsletter

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

Celebrating our impact - Local Mind Week 2026

Tuesday 4 August to Monday 10 August was Local Mind Week, a national campaign that helps the people in our communities learn more about Solent Mind and the mental health support that’s available.

Throughout the week, we celebrated the difference that Solent Mind makes across Hampshire and invited staff, volunteers and the people who use our services to share what makes us unique through a collaborative art activity. The submissions we received were inspiring.

Through their artwork, people told us that Solent Mind is a place where everyone belongs, where growth is encouraged and where people can find a safe and supportive space when they need it most.

Last year, we supported 30,701 referrals, helped 2,816 people across all our services, and provided support to 280 people in crisis.

We're proud to be part of a network of local Minds making a difference every day, and grateful to everyone who helps us support the mental health of our communities.

Men's Group exhibit artwork in New Milton

In August, members of our Men’s Group at New Forest Wellbeing Centre created their own exhibition for the New Forest New Milton Art Trail. Called ‘Five Go Back to the Forest’, they created collages exploring themes such as identity and belonging. These went on display in the windows at New Milton Library.

Missed the exhibition? It’ll be up in the New Milton Waiting Room from 29 September until 21 October

2 wheels, 10 countries,
1 incredible story

From the Italian western coast to the southern coast of Hampshire, one man was on a mission. With him on that mission, a trusty Vespa. Alex Tyrrell took on a challenge, travelling from Pompey to Pompeii to raise money for Solent Mind. Fuelled by his own experiences of grief following two personal losses, Alex understands the impact bereavement can have on mental health.

Covering 10 countries and 2,000 miles in four days, he raised over £5,000 for Solent Mind.
We're so grateful for Alexander's support and the awareness he has raised during this challenge. Read Alex's full story here.

100 sessions and counting for Open Minds

We’re celebrating Open Minds’ 100th counselling session!

Launched in April 2026, Open Minds offers self-paid counselling with no waiting list, allowing individuals to self-refer and talk to a qualified or experienced trainee counsellor. The service offers flexible sessions in-person, online or over the phone. We're incredibly proud to have reached 100 sessions in such a short time and look forward to supporting many more people on their wellbeing journey.

To learn more about our growing service, visit our website.

Using lived experience to make a difference

We're looking for a Person with Lived Experience (PLE) to join the Southampton Suicide Prevention Partnership and help shape suicide prevention work across the city.

This new role offers an opportunity to use personal experience of mental health challenges to influence decision-making and improve support for local people. By bringing a lived experience perspective to partnership discussions, you'll help ensure the voices of those most affected are heard.

Applications close on Monday 28 August 2026 at 5pm. Find out more on our website.

Coming up

As autumn approaches we're looking forward to opening ticket sales for our festive fun run event. We can't wait to share what our elves have been working on all year! Check our challenges webpage for more information.