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April 28, 2025
Join us on Mental Health Awareness Week!
CPSL Mind will unite communities on Mental Health Awareness Week by helping people find ‘Moments of Joy’
This Mental Health Awareness Week, 12-18th May, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire (CPSL) Mind is uniting with local people in its communities to host positive and inclusive events in Peterborough, Cambridge and South Lincolnshire. Through the power of music, games, exercise, and connecting with nature, CPSL Mind will help people find moments of joy to support their wellbeing.
The theme for this year’s awareness week is ‘Community’ and being part of a community is said to be vital for our mental health and wellbeing. According to the Mental Health Foundation, we thrive when we have strong connections with others and supportive communities around us – mentally healthy communities allow us to thrive.
The charity is running five events throughout the week, which will engage and encourage local businesses and people to connect. All donations from the fundraising events will go towards supporting the development and delivery of CPSL Mind’s local services. The awareness week is therefore hugely important and will help CPSL Mind to continue its vital work across its communities in the future.
Wellbeing in the Workplace
CPSL Mind will be hosting a ‘Lunch and Learn’ online webinar event on Monday 12th May. Have you refreshed your workplace wellbeing offer? Are you a mental health first aider? CPSL Mind’s training team will be delivering an online training webinar to support wellbeing in the workplace. Come and join CPSL Mind to connect with local business professionals and learn some useful tools to stay well at work.
Book your free tickets now. If you have any questions, please contact training@cpslmind.org.uk
As a result of this training, participants will:
- understand the importance of staying well at work
- know tools that can be used to manage their own wellbeing and support others with theirs
- be able to use a wellbeing plan to encourage self care
- know where to go for further resources and support
Come sing and chat with us!
On Tuesday 13th May at 12:30-3:30pm, CPSL Mind will be inviting local businesses and members of the public to Peterborough Cathedral Square (near the Guildhall) to ‘Come sing and chat with us!’ The people of Peterborough will be treated to an exclusive performance from The Rock Choir – a leading contemporary, award-winning choir. There will be interactive moments, and the community will be invited to join in the chorus of some songs and move along to the beat.
For those who would prefer to sit and listen, CPSL Mind will be hosting a ‘Pop-up Good Mood Cafe’ on the square and its friendly team will share wellbeing tips and give people the opportunity to play board games and have meaningful conversations. The CPSL Mind team will provide a listening ear to anyone who would like to chat about their day and/or how they’re feeling.
Jennie Storey, Chair of the Friends of Woodston Library, Peterborough, said, “This a such a valuable and meaningful initiative by CPSL Mind – raising awareness, promoting wellbeing and reducing social isolation in our communities. Our Knit and Natter group are delighted to be part of the Pop-Up Good Mood Cafe and share the joy we are finding as our community comes together. Local people are learning new skills, making new friends and providing support to each other. And now we are ‘on tour’ with a Rock Choir, how wonderful!”
Sally Rose, Rock Choir Leader in Rock Choir Leader in King’s Lynn and Peterborough, said, “I am so honoured to have been asked to lead Rock Choir and contribute to the community event as part of Mental Health Awareness Week. Being part of the Rock Choir family, as a Rock Choir Leader, helps my own mental health enormously. It is an energising, uplifting and joyous experience. Singing and laughing together, sharing all kinds of moments with each other, gives us something to look forward to and helps us to build up resilience against the challenges, stresses and grind of daily life.
“I love watching the magic happen in the room – it’s as if heavy burdens lift and the mood change in the room is palpable. When we perform, I only have to look at the faces of the Rockies to see the impact singing in Rock Choir has on them and also the impact we have on those watching as well! It is the best thing I have ever done; I love it and I can’t wait to share it with everyone!”
Benny Turner, Director of Beat This, a non-profit community inclusive music service based in Peterborough and his colleague Lee Ashton, will be running a music workshop event on the square. So, if you’ve fancied giving DJ-ing a try, or would like to learn how to play the keyboard, then now is your opportunity!
Sharing his enthusiasm for being part of the CPSL Mind Peterborough event, Benny said, “Beat This C.I.C. is absolutely buzzing to be partnering with CPSL Mind for Mental Health Awareness Week! Bringing moments of joy and connection through inclusive music-making to the heart of Peterborough in City Square this May is a fantastic opportunity. For us, music is a vital tool for enhancing wellbeing and bringing people together, and we can’t wait to share that experience with everyone.”
Shaun, who attends Beat This C.I.C music workshops, has experienced the benefits music can have on your mental health and wellbeing. Shaun said, “Coming to the Beat This workshop has been a lifeline for me. Music has always been my escape, but here, I’ve found a space where I feel truly understood and accepted.”
Pep Cipriano, Chief Operating Officer of Peterborough Positive, the City Centre’s Business Improvement District, said, “We’re proud to be working with CPSL Mind to champion Mental Health Awareness Week across Peterborough city centre, and to support the Sing and Chat event in Cathedral Square. Prioritising mental health is essential to the wellbeing of individuals, businesses, and the wider community. By sharing helpful tools and resources, we hope to encourage more conversations, greater support, and increased awareness of the services CPSL Mind provide.”
CPSL Mind River Cam takeover!
On Wednesday, 14th May, Local businesses in Cambridge have the chance to connect with nature and learn wellbeing tips to support teams. The team at Let’s Go Punting will welcome attendees on board a CPSL Mind-branded punt for a guided tour along the River Cam, where people learn the enchanting history of Cambridge’s many colleges, and a member of the CPSL Mind’s expert training team will be on board to share wellbeing tips. After the cruise along the river, attendees will be warmly invited to The Fellows House, Curio Collection by Hilton, for some fantastic networking and refreshments.
When? Wednesday 14th May 2025 at 12:00pm-2:30pm.
Where? Meet at Let’s Go Punting, Landing Stage, Thompsons Lane, Cambridge CB5 8AG, Cambridge, followed by pastries, tea & coffee at The Fellows House.
Tickets are £30 each or 4 tickets for £100. If you book, you will be helping us to support, develop, and grow our vital mental health services across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire.
To book, contact: Alex.Parker-Wiseman@cpslmind.org.uk
Melissa Santiago-Val, CEO and Founder of Sew Positive, said, “We create stitches of joy across our Sew Positive community, and we are pleased to be collaborating with CPSL Mind to raise awareness of this week, so we can find ways to create moments of joy together. We will be with the CPSL Team at the punts to talk about our partnership and how stitching is bringing communities together.
“Through our Men’s Hems service with CPSL Mind, we are seeing men find joy in learning to create and repair their own clothing and also finding a sense of community and togetherness through it. We encourage everyone to ‘find their stitch’, get creative, create some calm space and connect with each other.”
Emma Lacey, Director at Earth & Mind CIC, said, “Spending time near wild water does something amazing for our mental health—it helps us slow down, feel grounded, and boosts those feel-good chemicals like serotonin and oxytocin. The CPSL Mind River Cam takeover is such a great chance to soak in the beauty of the river and share the experience with others.”
Night Light Café – out of hours support
To continue the theme of community, CPSL Mind’s team will be at the South Lincolnshire Night Light Café during Mental Health Awareness Week on Thursday 15th May. The Night Light Cafe runs every Wednesday and Thursday in Long Sutton at St Mary’s Church Hall.
The Night Light Cafés are safe spaces that offer an out-of-hours, non-clinical support service and are staffed by teams of trained volunteers who are available to listen. They can also provide signposting advice and information on other organisations that may be able to help with specific needs, such as debt advice or emergency food parcels. Leslyn, who has been attending for over two years now, reflects on the friendships that have developed. “We were feeling nervous and shy at the beginning, but after two years, we are all comfortable together and a few of us go out together once a month for a meal – we are all good friends now.”
The Night Light Café runs every Wednesday and Thursday at 5:00pm – 9:00pm, Long Sutton, St Mary’s Church Hall, Market Place, PE12 9JE
Contact: southlincs@cpslmind.org.uk for more information and to come along during Mental Health Awareness Week.
Walkies for Wellbeing – Take the lead
Finally, on Friday 16th May, keen walkers and dog owners will have the opportunity to enjoy a spring walk – Walkies for Wellbeing! Grab your lead, your four-legged friend, and join CPSL Mind for a sponsored dog walk in support of CPSL Mind during Mental Health Awareness Week in May! The team will share ways to connect with nature, including apps to listen to nature sounds and how we can ‘Take Notice’ of our natural surroundings. Members of the CPSL Mind will walk with their own pets, so you can expect lots of pet cuddles and connection!
Where? Ferry Meadows, Nene Park, Peterborough, PE2 6YB
When? Friday 16th May 2025, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Contact: Debbie.Glonek@cpslmind.org.uk | 07712 358173
All paws welcome!
Get involved!
CPSL Mind will be encouraging people to share the #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #MHAWMomentsofJoy hashtags on social media throughout the week. You can download assets to support CPSL Mind’s Mental Health Awareness Week below. The charity will also be sharing content on its website and social media to showcase its community services, and followers will hear from members of the CPSL Mind team.
Download Mental Health Awareness Week assets:
Come sing and chat with us poster
During 2023/2024, CPSL Mind supported 6,000 local people, and the need for support has never been greater, with 1 in 4 of us said to experience mental health challenges in any given year.
The Good Life Service
CPSL Mind’s services, including its community-based Good Life Service, which includes its Good Mood Cafes, Calm spaces, and The Good Life Fund. The service promotes the positives of community connections and support people to connect with like-minded people. Some of the groups include, The Hobby Hub, Men’s Hems, The Armour Project, and All Inclusive Football.
One of the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ is to connect, and CPSL Mind says social relationships are critical for promoting wellbeing and can help reduce the risk of mental ill health for people of all ages.
The Good Mood Cafe sessions are safe, social, and uplifting. Whether you’re up for a conversation or just want to sit among friendly faces, you’ll always find a warm welcome! Read Danny and Aaron’s story.
Perinatal service
The charity also has a dedicated perinatal service for new parents, and its sanctuary referral service provides a safe space for people experiencing a mental health crisis.
Sam is a mum of three – stepdaughter Zara (7), son Henry (6), and baby Emily (6 months). When Emily was born early and unexpectedly, things quickly spiralled.
“The birth was traumatic, and although Emily was ok, I really wasn’t. I didn’t feel mentally right at all. I self-referred for mental health support, but was told the waiting list was long. I felt so alone.”
It was through this moment of need that Sam found CPSL Mind’s Perinatal Service. Read Sam’s story below.
Sam’s Story: “They were there when I needed it the most”
Cambridge United Football Club – Bright Horizons Cafe partnership
Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire (CPSL) Mind attended the launch event of the ‘Bright Horizons’ café on Wednesday 12th February at Cambridge United Football Club’s Cledara Abbey Stadium. The Cafe has had incredible success so far. Here is the latest update about the Bright Horizons’ Cafe.
Discharge Buddy Service
Our Discharge Buddy Service offers short-term support for up to six weeks to individuals after discharge from crisis services. Our structured social, emotional and practical support focuses on an individual’s strengths to help recovery, improve wellbeing and prevent future mental health crises.
Brittanie Dillon, Wellbeing and Recovery Worker, who works in CSPL Mind’s Discharge Buddy Service, shares how the team supports people in the community. From creating tailored safety and wellbeing plans to providing people with a comfort kit, find out how the incredible team supports people in the community. Thank you to Britt for creating this amazing video to share with you all! Watch and share the video on our YouTube channel: A day in the life of a CPSL Mind Wellbeing and Recovery Worker – Discharge Buddy Service
The Community Connector Service
Our Community Connector Service supports anyone experiencing moderate to severe mental health challenges. These individuals will not have access to Psychological Wellbeing Services or meet the threshold for secondary care. Reliance on very regular GP appointments for sustained wellbeing, and for whom: • isolation and/or loneliness is a key issue • their mental health issues are exacerbated by other social issues Referrals must be made by a primary care colleague in one of the participating Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in Cambridgeshire – Cambridge City 4, Cambridge City, Granta, Ely North and Ely South.
Amelia da Silva, Manager of the Mental Health Community Connector Service, said: “Working collaboratively with the Primary Care Networks (PCNs) that we are in partnership with has shown that the Mental Health Community Connector Service has contributed to helping individuals find ways to manage their mental health and enhance their wellbeing.”
Emotional Difficulties Service
Our Emotional Difficulties Service supports adults who are experiencing emotional difficulties and who struggle to cope with distress and relationship problems, are invited to attend a 12-week programme that offers peer support groups as well as the opportunity to learn about new ideas and gain insight on how to manage their wellbeing.
The group supports individuals to focus on coping skills and strategies to deal with difficult feelings and situations.
Referrals for this service are made via GP or Primary Care Mental Health Team. Hear how the service is supporting people via our YouTube channel: Peer Support – Nikki’s Story
The Sanctuary Service
If you are experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis, there are people who can help you.
Our Sanctuaries in Cambridge and Peterborough provide safe spaces for individuals referred via the NHS First Response Service on 111, select the mental health option. Our Sanctuaries are based in Cambridge and Peterborough and are open between 4:30pm and 11:30pm every day, all year round. A telephone-based service is available between 11am and 6pm.
The Victim and Witness Support Service
Victims and witnesses of crime have a right to support under the Victims’ Code.
The Victim and Witness Hub is a free confidential service which provides emotional and practical support to victims or witnesses to a crime in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, to help them cope and recover from the impact of crime.
It offers support to victims from the time of the offence, through any subsequent police investigation or court proceedings and beyond, according to the needs of the individual.
Find out more about the service
The WorkWell Programme
The WorkWell pilot programme matches local people with a work and health coach who can establish what they need help with, overcome barriers and help them find the right local support. A new team of work and health coaches at the local mental health charity Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire (CPSL) Mind will provide personalised support, and will connect people with different services, such as health professionals, community sector services and local support groups.
CPSL Mind’s WorkWell offering is available to anyone living in Cambridgeshire and Royston and will run until 31 March 2026. Meet one of our WorkWell Health and Work Coaches, Laura Ohlsson: WorkWell – Supporting people back into work
Co-production and Volunteering
Hattie reached out to CPSL Mind as a service user and attended the St. Neots Good Mood Cafe at 17-years-old. In her blog, Hattie reflects on her volunteer journey with CPSL Mind and shares how she is using her lived experience to help other people have positive mental health. Read Hattie’s story.
Alex Parker-Wiseman, Fundraising and Events Manager at CPSL Mind said, “Positive mental health is important for overall health (both physical and mental) and wellbeing. It is also important to speak to the people around you about how you are doing, share best practices and also check in on their wellbeing. The people around us can have a positive impact on our mental health – so don’t miss our incredible week of community connection events and help us to continue our vital work. We invite everyone to take part in our fundraising initiatives, share our messages on social media and meet people in your community.”
Alex added, “Come and learn wellbeing tips and find your moments of joy! This is the first time we will be running these events, so don’t miss out. We can’t wait to celebrate and raise awareness with you, please do share our events with family, friends, colleagues, neighbours and people you meet – together we can help more people find their moments of joy.”
CPSL Mind is one of 100 local minds across the UK and has its own Board of Trustees and is financially independent. While CPSL Mind is affiliated with national Mind, it is a separate, independently funded local charity, and by fundraising, you will be directly supporting local people across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire.
National Mind has launched its campaign: Mental health is everything, everywhere, everyone. This Mental Health Awareness Week, National Mind is asking people to join them to make sure no mind is left behind. CPSL Mind stands united with other local minds and National Mind during Mental Health Awareness Week.
Ends
Notes to editors
Media contacts:
To attend the events, and/or to arrange an interview with a spokesperson from CPSL Mind, please contact:
Olivia Hubbard, Communications and Engagement Manager
Email: Olivia.hubbard@cpslmind.org.uk
Mobile: 07759 838902 Office: 0300 303 4363
CPSL Mind
Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire Mind (CPSL Mind) is the leading local mental health charity in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire and supports local people in their recovery from mental health challenges, promotes wellbeing, and campaigns against stigma and discrimination: http://www.cpslmind.org.uk
We believe that no-one should have to face a mental health problem alone. If you are facing difficulties with your emotional or mental health and are looking for support on your road to recovery, we are here for you.
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