A CHARITY on a mission to help the city become mental health friendly is hosting a stall to help raise awareness at the Mansbridge Estate’s Centenary Celebration Day next week (September 6, 2025).

Southampton Mental Health Network members Compassionate Cuppa founder Ling Salter and Kirsty van Lieshout from KvLS Mental Health Support will be at the event offering emotional support and mindful activities.

Administrator for Southampton Mental Health Network, which is Southampton City Council and NHS endorsed, Chloe Naegeli, says: “Kirsty and Ling are running the Chill Out Zone at the Abri Housing Association’s 100-year celebrations of the Mansbridge Estate.

“I’m so excited to be joining Kirsty and Ling, who is one of our founder members, at this milestone event where we will be holding a stall in a separate area. They were introduced to each other through the Network last year and they have worked together on a series of events ever since.

“As an organisation, we’re looking at ways we can collectively collaborate to help make our city a happier place where everyone can thrive. It’s all about how we work together, how we behave towards each other and what we value as residents and workers in our city. So, it’s great to see this being put into practice with Kirsty and Ling.

“Ling actually secured the stall at the event for us and has kindly donated her full fee to our charity. We hope lots of people come and find us at this special community event. It promises to be fun and packed with wonderful activities for all the family. Don’t forget to take a minute for yourself and check out the Chill Out Zone.”

Southampton Mental Health Network became publicly active in 2019 and, with more than 100 member organisations involved in its development, became a charity in September 2022.

Working together, these organisations want to make Southampton a mental wellbeing friendly city, ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion for all.

Southampton Mental Health Network aims to create welcoming spaces for discussion, be understanding and supportive of those living with mental health challenges, boost wellbeing and improve knowledge and awareness in the city.

“Everyone who attends the event is also invited to join our Network to help make Southampton a mental health friendly city, ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion for all. It’s very easy to join us. Find out more on our website www.smhn.org.uk.”

Individuals, aged 18 plus, living or working within postcodes SO14-19 and representatives of organisations supporting residents or those working in the city of Southampton can join Southampton Mental Health Network for £2 per person.

Membership lasts for one year and entitles members to take part in relevant meetings and events set-up by the charity, and to receive a weekly e-newsletter.

Member organisations can also submit events, activities and news to be considered for inclusion on the charity’s website www.smhn.org.uk, have them shared in its weekly Roundup email and also, when tagged, on its social media platforms. However, sharing and inclusion is not an endorsement from the charity.

The Mansbridge Estate Centenary Celebration Day takes place on Saturday, September 6, 11am-2pm at Mansbridge Primary School.

For further details or to join Southampton Mental Health Network, please visit www.smhn.org.uk.