Mental health affects us every day – so it might seem a bit odd to have just one day dedicated to it. But World Mental Health Day is a great reason to pause, reflect on how we’re feeling, and check in with those around us. When was the last time you did something just for yourself? Or reached out to a friend, neighbour, sibling, or colleague to ask how they’re doing? It doesn’t have to be a serious, heavy conversation it could be as simple as sharing a cuppa and asking, “How’s it going?”
At Action Hampshire, we try to build a culture where work, busy schedules, and wellbeing can all coexist. Even though most of us work remotely, we make sure to check in regularly, whether in team meetings, one-to-ones, or our beloved ‘cuppa catch-ups.’ These informal chats sometimes even involve getting outside, dog walks or breakfast pancakes!
This year’s World Mental Health Day theme, set by the World Federation for Mental Health, is “access to services – mental health in catastrophes and emergencies”. It reminds us that everyone deserves support to protect their mental health, no matter what challenges they’re facing.
This idea really resonates with us, particularly through our Raising Voices in Research – Mentoring (RViR Mentoring) project.
RViR Mentoring is all about connecting communities and voluntary organisations with researchers to make sure mental health research reflects the priorities and needs of local people. So far, six VCSEs (Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise organisations) have run workshops with their communities to explore what matters most to them. Based on these insights, we’re matching community members with researchers to develop or adapt research proposals together. This project runs until March 2026, and it’s all about learning, sharing, and making mental health research more inclusive.
Want to get involved?
Sign up for the Research Collaborative to join our events and be part of conversations shaping mental health research in your community.
Once you’ve signed up to the Research Collaborative there’s still time to register for the next event…
Wednesday 15th October, 10:00 – 12:00
The Carnival Hall, Basingstoke
10:00 – 12:00: Talks and discussions
12:00 – 13:00: Networking
This is a brilliant opportunity to hear from inspiring speakers such as:
- Anita Davis, Work Better Innovations – exploring barriers migrant women face in accessing menopause support and how community-led research is making a difference
- Imogen Fecher-Jones, Perioperative Advanced Nurse Practitioner / Research Fellow – sharing her journey tackling challenges in inclusive recruitment for virtual pre-operative education research
World Mental Health Day is a reminder that talking really does help – whether it’s checking in with yourself, a friend, or a wider community. Even small gestures, like listening, asking how you can help, or just being present, can make a big difference.
