World Mental Health Day: Real voices can create real change

Sometimes, the most helpful thing we can do for someone is simply listen. Not rush to offer advice, not try to fix everything, but give them the time and space to share what's on their mind. 

The life experiences and stories of every one of us are entirely unique. Providing that judgment-free space to let someone describe their journey can be the most powerful gift we offer. 

It's a simple idea, but one that was at the heart of this year's World Mental Health Day on 10th October. 

This year’s theme, ‘Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,’ reminded us that improving mental health support isn't just about talking more openly. It's about listening to people who know first-hand what it's like to experience mental ill-health, and making sure their voices help shape the services and support available to them. 

Everyone's experience is different. Two people with the same diagnosis may face very different challenges, find different things helpful and have different hopes for the future. That's why good support starts with listening to the individual and understanding their situation, rather than assuming we know what they need. 

Earlier this month, Meridian Wellbeing joined partners from the Barnet Wellbeing Services to host a World Mental Health Day and Hub Connections event. It was a wonderful opportunity to bring local people together, share experiences and find out more about the support available in Barnet. 

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. People particularly appreciated hearing personal stories, meeting local support services and being part of such a welcoming atmosphere. For some, hearing others speak openly about their mental health was a reminder that they weren't alone, and support for their wellbeing is available.  

We were also delighted that the event attracted international attention, with CBS News in America featuring the work of the Barnet Wellbeing Services. The report highlighted how community spaces, shared experiences and local support can make a real difference to people's lives. It's encouraging to think that something happening here in Barnet could inspire conversations and connections much further afield. 

You can watch the CBS News feature here. 

Being heard matters 

When someone feels genuinely listened to, without judgement or pressure, it can help them feel less alone. It can also make taking that next step a little easier, whether that's talking to a friend, joining a local activity, contacting a support service or asking for professional help. 

And listening doesn't mean having all the answers.  

Sometimes, it's about giving someone time to find the words, reflect back what they are feeling and simply acknowledge how difficult that is - resisting the urge to jump in with advice or offer an immediate solution, whether that means asking, “What would be helpful for you right now?” or simply admitting, “I don’t know what to say, but I am here, and I care.” 

It's also about recognising that people with lived experience have something important to teach us. 

They know what makes a service feel welcoming, what might stop someone from asking for help, and what can make a difficult situation a little easier. When we listen to those experiences and act on what we hear, we can make support more accessible, welcoming and useful to the people who need it. 

Turning awareness into action 

World Mental Health Day gives us a chance to think about mental health, but making a difference doesn't have to involve grand gestures. Often, it's the small, everyday things that matter. 

For example, you could: 

• Check in with someone you haven't heard from in a while. 

• Give a friend your full attention when they tell you how they're feeling. 

• Challenge unhelpful language or assumptions about mental health. 

• Share information about local support with someone who might benefit. 

• Speak up about your own experiences or offer feedback that could help improve services. 

These might seem like small actions, but they can mean a great deal to someone who is struggling. 

A friendly conversation, an invitation to join an activity or simply knowing that someone genuinely cares can help a person feel more connected and supported. 

How Meridian Wellbeing puts this into practice 

At Meridian Wellbeing, listening to people's experiences is an important part of how we work. We know there's no single approach that works for everyone, so we aim to help people find support that suits their needs, circumstances and goals. 

The Barnet Wellbeing Hub is a good place to start. It connects local people with a wide range of community services and activities. Through an Emotional Health Check, a Wellbeing Navigator can help you talk through what's happening in your life and work with you to create a personalised wellbeing plan. 

If you'd prefer a confidential space to explore difficult thoughts or feelings, our Counselling & CBT service offers support from trained therapists. Sessions are available face-to-face, by telephone or online, with affordable options available. 

And sometimes, simply spending time with other people can make a difference. 

Our Better Together Wellbeing Cafés in Hendon and New Barnet offer friendly, peer-led spaces where local residents can meet, take part in activities, have a chat and feel part of a community. 

The cafés are shaped by volunteers with lived experience, who bring their own understanding of life's challenges and the value of having somewhere to turn. It's a lovely example of how people's personal experiences can help others feel welcome, understood and supported. 

Keep listening beyond World Mental Health Day 

World Mental Health Day may be just one day in the calendar, but the conversations it starts shouldn't end there. 

Every time we listen without judgement, make someone feel welcome or take their experiences seriously, we're helping to build a community where people feel valued and supported. 

And that's something we can all play a part in. 

We'd love to hear from you, too. If you've used our services, have ideas about how we could improve them, or would simply like to share your experiences, please get in touch. Your voice matters, and your feedback can help us make our support better for everyone. 

Email us at [email protected].