Wolverhampton will be marking Mental Health Awareness Week beginning on Monday (12 May, 2025) with a series of events designed to help people talk about mental health and support people’s wellbeing.

The theme this year is 'community’ and celebrates the communities and networks that help people to thrive and to nurture good mental health.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “Our city has lots of strong and supportive communities. Whether it's sports, crafts, walking or meeting for coffee, these community groups help us feel connected. They give us a place to belong, support us when things are hard, and give us a sense of purpose.

“We can all play a part in creating that kind of environment – whether it's checking on a friend or simply starting a conversation. It's so important that we create a safe space to talk about mental health with no shame or stigma attached.

“One way the council will be getting involved is by taking part in ‘Wear It Green’ day on Thursday 15 May. We’ll be lighting up the Civic Centre atrium lights in green to show our support for mental health and that it’s ok to reach out and ask for help.

“There are also a number of other events taking place across the city this Mental Health Awareness Week, and I would urge everyone to get involved.”

City libraries offer a range of regular community groups, including:

  • Monday 12 May – Relaxed Reading Group at Wednesfield Library, 5.30pm to 6.30pm
  • Tuesday 13 May – Relaxed Reading Group at Bob Jones Community Hub, 6pm to 7pm
  • Wednesday 14 May – board games at Tettenhall Library, 2.30pm to 4.30pm
  • Thursday 15 May – local history group at Bilston Library, 11am to 12.30pm
  • Thursday 15 May – City Walking Tour starting from Central Library, 2pm to 3pm
  • Friday 16 May – Relaxed Reading Group at Low Hill library, 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

And Wolves Foundation will be inviting people to meet local mental health services and find out about support available at a special event at North Bank Bar, Molineux Stadium from 3pm to 7pm on Thursday 15 May.

Meanwhile, people who are having a difficult time or are worried about someone else are being reminded they are not alone – there are lots of options for support:

  • For self-care, the NHS Every Mind Matters website, provides a range of tools and advice on how people can look after their wellbeing and support those around them.
  • People who need someone to talk to are encouraged to call SANE on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm to 10.30pm), Samaritans on 116 123 (24 hours), Rethink Mental Illness on 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm) or Mind on 0300 123 3393.
  • Anyone who needs urgent help with their mental health should call NHS 111 and select option 2 to be connected to mental health support, or text 07860 025281.
  • Wolverhampton Sanctuary Hub offers out of hours support. Book a face to face appointment by calling freephone 0808 802 2288, texting 07860 065168 or emailing wolverhamptonsanctuaryhub@rethink.org.
  • NHS Talking Therapies offers brief psychological therapy for people experiencing common mental health problems including anxiety, depression, stress and low mood – visit Wolverhampton Talking Therapies.
  • Hub of Hope offers a wide range of local support in your community – visit Hub of Hope.

Remember too, that your GP is there to help you with your mental health as well as your physical health.