On Friday 28 January we held the first Lambeth Great Mental Health Day walk, from the Health Foundry to West Norwood Cemetery, writes Margherita Sweetlove, Public Health Specialist – Mental Health and Wellbeing, Public Health, Adults & Health.
A core group of eight intrepid ramblers walked the whole nine miles, with several other walkers joining in at various stages of the route. Along the way we stopped at Black Prince Trust, Art4Space, Ruskin Park, The Platform Café and Mosaic Clubhouse.
At Ruskin Park, the walking team were met by Councillors Jim Dickson and Rezina Chowdhury (Suicide Prevention Champion), Dr Shubulade Smith from South London & Maudsley NHS Trust (SLaM), and others to launch the Lambeth Suicide Prevention Strategy.
Cllr Dickson, Lambeth Council Joint Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “The pandemic has taken a heavy toll on mental health, and our Strategy and this Day both help to share the message that help, and support are always available – from everyday things to boost our wellbeing to specialist health services.”
Everyone who came on the walk thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and it was great to find out more about some of the organisations working tirelessly to improve the wellbeing of Lambeth’s residents, as well as exploring the borough and getting to know each other and our work.
Next steps
The Lambeth Suicide Prevention Partnership group continues to meet to deliver the suicide prevention action plan, starting with a programme of suicide prevention training.
Read the strategy here
Read about London’s first Great Mental Health Day here