New Tala building tour and mental health training mark World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day was marked at Tolworth Hospital with a programme of activities celebrating both the future of mental health care and the importance of creating mentally healthy communities.
The day began with guided tours of the new Tala building, giving staff and stakeholders an opportunity to see the innovative new facility that will support mental health services for local people.
Visitors praised the design and scale of the new building, particularly the consideration given to the experience of patients, staff and visitors.
The afternoon saw representatives from Sir Robert McAlpine, the Trust's master developer partner, take part in a Mental Health First Aid Aware course. The training helps participants understand mental health, recognise when someone may be struggling and feel more confident in supporting others.
The session is part of a wider programme led by South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust that has now trained nearly 300 people in Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health First Aid Aware initiatives through its community engagement work.
Originally developed alongside the Springfield Village transformation programme, the training has helped equip residents, local organisations, employers and community leaders with the knowledge and confidence to support mental wellbeing and encourage early conversations about mental health.
The Trust now plans to expand the programme around Tolworth as development of the new Tala building progresses, helping to create a growing network of Mental Health First Aid champions across the community.
The combination of a tour of the new building and mental health training provided a fitting way to mark World Mental Health Day, highlighting a shared ambition not only to provide outstanding facilities, but also to build stronger, healthier and more connected communities.
