Southampton Mental Health Network secures charity status

We’re celebrating becoming a charity!

Great news! We’ve succeeded in our bid to become a charity and are celebrating this month (October 2022).

We’ve been given the greenlight by the Charity Commission and are now a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).

Wonderful news

Sue Hayward, our Interim Chair of Trustees for SMHN and mental health educator, trainer, coach and mentor who teaches the Mental Health First Aid Course, says:

We look forward to organisations and individuals joining us to make Southampton a mental health-friendly city for all. Mental health is so much more than a diagnosis of a mental health condition. We ALL have mental health and can work towards keeping ourselves well.

Welcoming spaces

We aim to create welcoming spaces for discussion, be understanding and supportive of those living with mental ill-health, boost wellbeing and resilience and improve attitudes, awareness and education in the city.

We now have the Registered Charity Number 1200515. The Charity Commission said it had based its decision to register us on its assessment of the information supplied during the application process. It was satisfied that we’re established for charitable purposes only for the public benefit.

Good mental health

Abi Mason, our Administrator, explains:

Our members provide a range of support, information and activities to support both good mental and physical health. One in four of us are likely to have a mental health issue and nearly all of us are going to face something within this area related to a loved one.

Diverse membership

We don’t know at what point in our lives, young or old, when we may need help. Our diverse membership ensures that we are working towards meeting the needs of all residents of Southampton.

Working together, with our individual members and member organisations, we want to make Southampton a mental health friendly city, ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion for all.

We’re supported by Southampton City Council and the Clinical Commissioning Group through the Integrated Commissioning Unit (ICU).