Mental Health and Health Inequalities Conference
Together with NHS South West London Integrated Care Board (ICB), we host an annual conference bringing together patients, carers and partners from across health, local government and the voluntary sector to discuss mental health across south west London.
The conference usually takes place in May, around Mental Health Awareness Week, and includes talks, interactive workshops and opportunities to share ideas and experiences.
Each year focuses on a different theme. In 2026, the theme was ‘From Commitment to Action: Reducing Mental Health Inequalities in south west London’.
Mental Health Conference 2026
In 2026, the conference focused on tackling inequalities in access, experience and outcomes across the mental health system.
Sessions explored some of the key challenges facing our communities, including racial inequalities, barriers faced by Deaf people and people with learning disabilities, and the impact of wider factors such as housing and poverty on mental health.
A day of collaboration and action
Attendees took part in breakout sessions focused on understanding inequalities, sharing what works and developing solutions.
Topics included:
- racial inequalities in mental health care, including differences in detention, access and experience
- barriers faced by Deaf people and people with learning disabilities
- peer support, Recovery Cafés and the role of community organisations in preventing crisis
- building trust and improving access to support
- developing a culturally capable workforce and embedding anti-racist practice
- addressing the physical health gap for people with serious mental illness
- the impact of housing, poverty and social exclusion on mental health.
A key message from the day was that reducing mental health inequalities requires people and organisations across the whole system to work together, including people with lived experience and local communities.