A TEAM striving to make Southampton a mental health-friendly city has officially become a charity.

Southampton Mental Health Network (SMHN) is celebrating having been given the green light by the Charity Commission.

It has 100 member organisations involved in its development and aims to improve mental health across the city by ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion for all.

The group first launched in 2019.

The network is supported by Southampton City Council and the Clinical Commissioning Group through the Integrated Commissioning Unit (ICU).

Sue Hayward, interim chair of trustees for SMHN, said: "We’re delighted with this wonderful news. It’s a significant step forward towards our goal.

“We look forward to organisations and individuals joining us to make Southampton a mental health-friendly city for all.

"Mental health is so much more than a diagnosis of a condition. We all have mental health and can work towards keeping ourselves well.

"We aim to create welcoming spaces for discussion, be understanding and supportive of those living with mental ill-health, boost wellbeing and resilience and improve attitudes, awareness and education in the city.”

The Charity Commission said it had based its decision to register the organisation on its assessment of the information supplied during the application process.

Abi Mason, SMHN’s administrator, added: “It’s great to finally be able to say we’re a charity. Having good mental health is just as important as having good physical health. They go hand-in-hand.

“Our members provide a range of support, information and activities to support both good mental and physical health.

"One in four of us are likely to have a mental health issue and nearly all of us are going to face something within this area related to a loved one.

“We don’t know at what point in our lives, young or old, when we may need help. Our diverse membership ensures that we are working towards meeting the needs of all residents of Southampton.”

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