Great Mental Health Day: Supporting recovery in our community
Now in its fifth year, Great Mental Health Day is a London-wide initiative that encourages people to talk openly about mental health and wellbeing, and raises awareness of the local support available to Londoners all year round.
This year’s theme is ‘Celebrating Everyday Spaces’ – the community halls, cafés, libraries and other local spaces that bring people together and build trust. These are often where support begins, long before someone reaches a service.
To mark Great Mental Health Day, we’re shining a light on our Kingston Integrated Recovery Hub (IRH). The hub offers a wide range of community mental health and wellbeing support, helping people to live well in their own communities. This includes connecting people with everyday spaces and local groups that we know make a real difference.
By working closely with local GP practices, adult social care, housing associations, and voluntary and community sector organisations, the hub offers joined-up support, including:
- Specialist mental health assessments and treatment for serious mental illness
- Wellbeing and self-care advice
- Physical health checks and support with medications
- Emotional and practical help from peer support workers with lived experience
- Employment support if you are looking for a job or need help to stay in work
- Welfare benefits, housing and financial advice
- Support from the local Recovery College
- Dedicated services and activities for carers, friends and family
Meet the team at Kingston Integrated Recovery Hub
Members of the Kingston Integrated Recovery Hub share what it’s like to work in the service.
“Working in the community within the IRH allows me to build meaningful therapeutic relationships and support people in their personal environment whilst promoting recovery, autonomy and community integration beyond the confines of inpatient care. North Kingston IRH offers strong team collaboration and support within my role as a community psychiatric nurse.” - Nikkita Frank – Community Psychiatric Nurse
“One aspect that I truly appreciate about our Integrated Recovery Hub is the collaborative environment we foster among a diverse range of professionals. Our team embodies a spirit of friendliness and compassion, which I believe greatly enhances the support we provide to our clients. Even in challenging situations or crises, our ability to work together remains strong, allowing us to respond effectively to those in need.” - Idara Umoren-Itauma – Recovery Support Worker
“What I value most about my role is providing a responsive service that meets the needs of service users and their families. I find it rewarding to see service users understand and appreciate the support I provide, allowing them to access help quickly when they need it. I also value the experienced and supportive leadership and the opportunity my role has given me to develop professionally through advanced clinical training at master’s level.” Solomon Okoro – Enhanced Response Practitioner
