"We must strengthen mental health care so that the full spectrum of mental health needs is met through a community-based network of accessible, affordable and quality services and supports." World Health Organisation.

World Mental Health Day 2022.

World Mental Health Day takes place on 10 October, and this year's theme set by the World Health Organisation is, "'make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority".  

Mental Health in West Kent

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a global crisis for mental health, fuelling short and long-term stresses and undermining the mental health of millions. Stigma and discrimination continue to be a barrier to social inclusion and access to the right care, while those living in more remote areas also experience reduced access to mental health and wellbeing services. 

In West Kent alone, around 66,400 (24%) of adults over 18 years are estimated to have symptoms of mental health disorder and people living in the most deprived areas are disproportionately affected. 

West Kent also has the highest suicide rate for women in Kent – with 6 in 100,000 people taking their own lives.

Meanwhile, the positive characteristics of Tunbridge Wells can often mask health inequalities which exist in the borough, and a recent needs analysis conducted by the Kent Community Foundation revealed there are significant pockets of deprivation in some wards, with Tunbridge Wells is the third ranking district across Kent and Medway for prevalence of serious mental health disorder, while levels of self-harm in Tunbridge Wells are the highest in Kent. 

World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to us all to play a role in making mental health and wellbeing a priority. 

Making mental health and wellbeing a priority.

Our Vision is to see improved mental wellbeing for everyone and we provide comprehensive services, with clients able to access our services for as long as they need. Our projects are designed to make people feel supported, valued and connected. These projects include the provision of peer support groups in venues across the area, fun and creative wellbeing activities for teenagers and the delivery of wellbeing activities, including creative writing, art groups, an allotment group, needlecraft, walking and talking groups, men’s and women’s groups and others.

Please support us this World Mental Health Day.

Together, we can make mental health and wellbeing a priority.

We can all play our part in increasing awareness about mental health and wellbeing, particularly by addressing the stigma that is often associated with mental illness. However you choose to support us, you'll be joining us in working towards improved mental wellbeing for everyone.

This World Mental Health Day, you can show your support by: 

• Making a one-off donation  or regular donation.
• Following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to find out more about what we do in our community.
• Signing up to receive our quarterly e-bulletin (scroll to the bottom of this page to get started).

Supporting us with a donation this World Mental Health Day

As a charity, we are facing increased costs and an increase in referrals. Your donations will help us reach the most vulnerable in our community. Specifically,

£3 could enable one person to access support at a 1 hour peer support group.

£5 could provide a 1-1 support telephone call for someone who feels isolated.

£10 could provide gardening equipment for our wellbeing allotment.

£15 could enable someone to access our 'Out-of-hours' support group for 2.5 hours

Please support us with a donation today! Thank you.