Solent Mind, the largest mental health charity in Hampshire, recently unveiled a new strategy aiming to put the needs of its users at the forefront of its plans.

The announcement was made by CEO Sally Arscott during a dedicated event at the charity's Mayfield Garden Centre and Café in Southampton.

The launch was attended by more than fifty guests, featuring speeches from NHS Talking Therapies' Peer Support Team Lead Scott Munro, and Dr Emily Walmsley, a consultant in Public Health at Southampton City Council.

Both Mr Munro and Dr Walmsley endorsed the new strategy while sharing personal experiences with the charity's support services.

Servicing an expanding population of 1.14 million individuals across Portsmouth, Southampton and southern Hampshire districts, Solent Mind intends to serve the growing mental health crisis in the region.

Local health services are struggling with long waiting times, a scarcity of funding, and heightened deprivation, escalating the severity of poor mental health conditions.

To combat these, the new strategy will enhance the charity's scope, eradicate access barriers and address the specific needs of the communities it assists.

Solent Mind's main goal remains that of helping everyone to foster positive mental wellbeing, to live fulfilling lives and to prosper.