Health and wellbeing
Council celebrates community efforts in promoting mental wellbeing for awareness week
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Walsall Council is celebrating the work of communities in delivering mental wellbeing projects as part of Mental Health Awareness Week (12-18 May 2025).
This year’s theme is community, emphasising the importance of strong social connections for mental wellbeing.
The council’s mental wellbeing team within Public Health has worked with 26 voluntary and community sector organisations across the borough to deliver a range of projects, targeting issues such as social isolation, mental health and access to resources, aiming to create a more supportive environment for all residents.
Some of the current projects include parent support groups for neurodiverse individuals by Mettaminds, to share their experiences and receive support in a safe space, and arts-based sessions (poetry, drama, artwork, and other creative activities) by Bread 4 Life, for individuals facing psychological challenges from migrant communities. Education, advocacy, and support have also formed part of projects run by Walsall Black Sisters Collective and Mosaic respectively.
Public Health also continues to support a number of mental wellbeing initiatives across the borough to bring communities together, including the Let’s Chat bus which travels to different locations where residents can get support or signposting to local services.
“ Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we build meaningful relationships and engage with supportive communities that remind us we are never alone. Communities can provide us with a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us purpose.
Our community networks offer practical and emotional assistance during difficult times, helping people build resilience and find purpose through shared experiences and mutual support.
This Mental Health Awareness Week, I encourage you to engage with your community to help you support your mental wellbeing. There are lots of opportunities such as our Let’s Chat bus, funding and training opportunities, and seeking support when needed. “
Walsall residents have several opportunities to engage with their community and support mental wellbeing:
- The Let's Chat bus visits communities across Walsall and provides support for a wide range of topics. Residents can drop by for a chat, meet new friends, and get advice, as well as completing a personal 8 Steps to Wellbeing plan. The timetable can be found on the council website.
- Residents and organisations can also apply for funding to deliver mental wellbeing projects. Small grants up to £5,000 will be available (email MWWalsall@walsall.gov.uk to find out more).
- Funding is also available through Crowdfund Walsall for anyone who would like to deliver projects that support men’s wellbeing or raise awareness of dementia.
- Birmingham Mind, in partnership with Walsall Council, provides free training sessions on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention (face to face and online). These sessions aim to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and equip participants with the skills to support others. The training is available to anyone living or working in Walsall. Details of sessions and how to register is available on Eventbrite. For further information about other mental health and suicide prevention training opportunities coming up, including for people who work with children and young people, please email training@birminghammind.org
If you or someone you know needs urgent help for their mental health, call NHS 111 and select option 2 (mental health option) to speak to a trained professional. Find out more about urgent help for mental health on the NHS website.
The Sanctuary Hub in Bloxwich, Walsall is a safe space where you can access support outside of mental health service hours. They are open between Monday and Friday from 6pm to 11pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 11pm.
ENDS
Notes to editor:
- The council encourages everyone to complete a free wellbeing plan, which focuses on the 8 Steps to Wellbeing: be active, take notice, connect, give something to others, learn something new, hydration for wellbeing, sleep for wellbeing and hope for the future. Download the plan on the Walsall Council website.
- The Walsall Wellbeing Directory helps you to find services in Walsall. To search for activities or organisations, visit the council website.
- Other support services available for residents to access include Mustard Seed CIC, Samaritans and Walsall Bereavement Support Service.
