World Mental Health Day: The NHS is here for you
Ashton Ntuli, Chief Operating Officer, South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust
Today, on World Mental Health Day we reflect again on the vital importance of raising mental health awareness, breaking mental health stigma and tackling health inequalities. We have come so far together in changing attitudes to mental illness over the past decade and we know there is so much more to do.
In truth, every day is a mental health awareness day for those working in our services. This year, the day’s theme of emergency care, and the all-too-common experience of feeling overwhelmed, remind us of the challenges we can all face at different points in our lives. Whether it’s an upsetting event or a big change in your life, mental ill health doesn’t discriminate.
Support is here in South West London, both for those in crisis and to help people look after their mental health and stay supported in the community.
Mental health crises can be frightening and isolating, but you are never alone. Our South West London Mental Health Crisis is available 24/7. Whether you call NHS 111 or dial directly on 0800 028 8000, you’ll reach compassionate professionals ready to listen and guide you to the right support.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need a safe space to turn to, our Recovery Cafes also provide a welcoming environment where you can find calm and connection away from emergency settings. And NHS Talking Therapies offer evidence-based treatments for common concerns like anxiety and depression, helping people regain balance and wellbeing.
Crucially, we want to empower our patients through every part of their recovery journey. That’s why we are really proud of our Recovery College– this provides a range of courses designed to enable patients, carers and their families to become experts in self-care.
Alongside this, our Be Well Hubs delivered through South London Listens bring support into the heart of local communities. Run by community organisations across the region, these hubs offer friendly places to connect, activities to reduce isolation, and practical help with signposting. Similarly, EMHIP’s Health and Wellbeing Hubs in local mosques and churches provide informal support and wellbeing workshops, reflecting our commitment to culturally sensitive care.
And finally, at the heart of our community services are our Integrated Recovery Hubs. Launched between 2022 and 2024 across Richmond, Merton, Kingston, Sutton, and Wandsworth, these hubs provide joined-up, holistic support from a diverse team of health professionals, peer workers, and voluntary and community sector partners. Together they deliver joined-up mental health care, closers to home, alongside a range of social and welfare services, helping patients to find more of the support they need in one place.
On this World Mental Health Day, I encourage everyone to reach out, seek support early, and remember that recovery is possible. Together, we can build a more compassionate and resilient community.
