About us

Who we are

Our friendly, welcoming & compassionate network first became active in 2019 and has steadily grown ever since.

Working together, we want to make Southampton a mental health friendly city, ensuring equality, diversity & inclusion for all.

Our network is supported by Southampton City Council and the Clinical Commissioning Group’s Integrated Commissioning Unit.

Our mission

• Improve attitudes, understanding and education around mental health in our city.

• Boost wellbeing & resilience.

• Be understanding and supportive of mental ill-health.

• Create welcoming and collaborative spaces for discussion.

Our Team

Susan Hayward, Chair of Trustees

After 27 years in sales and marketing in the chemical industry in the UK and Africa, Susan retrained in 2014 as an MHFA course instructor. She is a personal development coach, a business coach, and a member of the Institute of Leadership. In 2018, Susan became an Associate Trainer and National Trainer with MHFA England. She is married with two adult, neurodiverse children. In her free time she may be found sailing on the Southampton Water in a classic wooden racing yacht, Blue Mist.

Barry Hampton, Trustee

I first became aware of the Southampton Mental Health Network through my professional work and was delighted to be invited to become one of the trustees. With a background in finance and business ownership I endeavour to use my knowledge and experience to bring good governance and strong financial controls to the organisation. Working with such a dedicated group of people has been a rewarding experience and has taught me a great deal about mental health and well-being. I hope to put the knowledge that I have gained to good use in continuing to serve the Network in Southampton.

Parvin Damani, Trustee

Hello, my name is Parvin, and I am honoured to be a member of the Mental Health Network. Mental health has really been quite an important aspect in my career and I've always worked towards addressing inequalities in health, and mental health being a very important part of that. I have an NHS and local authority background, and I hope that my contribution to this network will be helpful in making Southampton a mental health friendly city.

Jacqueline Tuson, Trustee

As well as supporting family and friends with their mental health struggles, I have tackled issues of my own through counselling and EMDR. I also volunteered with MIND, providing admin support for their Advocacy team. I am now retired but I mostly worked as a teacher (in FE and HE). I have also managed medical practices and worked with refugees and with those for whom English is a second language.

My particular focus is promoting the wellbeing of those with lived experience and those who love them, in the face of potential isolation and prejudice.