World Mental Health Day: Supporting Mental Health Across Southampton, Fareham & Gosport
Published: 10/10/2023
Right at Home Solent Support Mental Health
World Mental Health Day is held every year on 10th October to raise awareness of mental health and encourage open conversations about wellbeing.
The campaign theme of “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right” highlights the importance of equal access to support for everyone, no matter their background or circumstances.
Across Southampton, Fareham, Gosport, and the wider Solent area, we see every day how important it is to support not only physical wellbeing but also mental health for both the people we care for and the people who provide care.
Why Mental Health Awareness Matters
Mental health affects how we think, feel, and cope with daily life. It is something that impacts everyone at different stages of life, but it is still not always spoken about openly.
Stress, anxiety, loneliness, and depression can affect people of all ages. For older adults receiving care at home, these feelings can sometimes become more difficult, especially if they are living alone or dealing with changes in health.
At Right at Home Solent, we believe mental health is just as important as physical health. Encouraging open conversations helps reduce stigma and makes it easier for people to seek support early, before challenges become more overwhelming.
Men’s Mental Health and Breaking the Stigma
One area that continues to need attention is men’s mental health.
Research shows that men are often less likely to talk about their mental health or seek help, even when they are struggling. This can sometimes be due to stigma, cultural expectations, or simply not knowing where to start.
Many people may appear confident and fine on the outside while dealing with internal struggles. This is why it is so important to create safe spaces where people feel comfortable opening up without judgment.
In care environments, this matters not only for clients but also for Care Assistants and staff. Supporting wellbeing within teams helps ensure better care for everyone.
Find out what impact loneliness can have from our Managing Director, Kev Popat - what physical impact do you think loneliness may have?
Supporting Mental Health at Right at Home Solent
Across Southampton, Fareham, Gosport, and surrounding areas, we prioritise the wellbeing of our Care Assistants and office team.
We support mental health in simple but meaningful ways, including:
- regular check-ins with Care Assistants
- informal wellbeing conversations
- team feedback sessions and focus groups
- appreciation messages and recognition
- creating a supportive, open-door culture
These small actions help create an environment where people feel valued and listened to.
When our Care Assistants feel supported, they are better able to provide compassionate and consistent care to our clients at home.
Community Support and Awareness
At our Fareham office, Ali, our Mental Health First Aider, plays an important role in supporting both staff and Care Assistants. Ali recently raised money for Solent Mind with one of our Care Coordinators, Mark, by abseiling the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth.
Ali is always available for a chat and encourages open conversations around mental health and wellbeing. Having someone approachable within the team helps make support feel more accessible and normalised.
We also believe in supporting wider community wellbeing. Over time, our team has taken part in local fundraising and awareness activities supporting mental health charities such as Solent Mind, helping to raise awareness and give back to the community.
Local Mental Health Support Services
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available across Southampton, Fareham, and Gosport, including:
- Solent Mind wellbeing services
- Andy’s Man Club support groups for men
- NHS mental health services
- Local community wellbeing groups and activities
These services provide safe and confidential spaces to talk and access help when needed.
Reaching out is often the hardest step, but it can make a real difference.
Tips for Talking About Mental Health
Starting a conversation about mental health can feel difficult, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Some helpful approaches include:
- choosing someone you trust
- speaking in a comfortable and relaxed environment
- taking your time and not rushing the conversation
- being open to different reactions
Even a small conversation can be the first step toward getting support.
Final Thoughts
World Mental Health Day is a reminder that mental health matters every day, not just once a year.
At Right at Home Solent, we are committed to supporting mental wellbeing across Southampton, Fareham, Gosport, and the wider Solent area, both for the people we care for and the people who provide that care.
No one should feel they have to face challenges alone, and support is always available when needed.