The theme of this year's World Mental Health Day, taking place on Saturday (10 October, 2026), is ‘Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change’ – highlighting the importance of listening to people's experiences of mental health and ensuring everyone feels heard, understood and supported.

Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: "World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to remind people that help is available and that no one should feel they have to struggle alone.

"Everyone deserves good mental health, and we all have a role to play in helping people feel heard, valued and understood.

"This World Mental Health Day, I encourage people to take time to check in with one another, listen without judgement and talk openly about mental health.

"Talking about mental health can sometimes feel difficult, and many people worry about saying the wrong thing. However, you don't need to be an expert to help someone. Taking time to listen, showing empathy and simply being there for a person can make a real difference.

"As well as starting those conversations, there are a range of events taking place across the city where residents can meet others, learn more about local services and take positive steps to improve their wellbeing."

The Hope Remains: World Mental Health Day Reflective Service will be held at St Peter's Collegiate Church on Saturday (10 October). Organised by Violet Project CIO and the Wolverhampton Suicide Prevention Stakeholder Forum Charitable Trust, the free event offers an opportunity to come together, hear messages of hope, and meet representatives from local support services. Doors open at 3.30pm, with the service running from 4pm to 5pm, followed by information stalls and refreshments.

People are also welcome to join relaxed Tea and Talk sessions at Central Library this Friday (9 October) from 10.30am to 12pm, and Bilston Library on Saturday (10 October) from 10am to 12pm. Come along for a friendly chat, meet new people and learn about support available in your community.

Finally, Care Jar: A Creative Pause for Carers, is taking place next Friday 16 October at Wolverhampton railway station from 12pm to 2pm. The free session will provide a chance for carers to relax, be creative and connect with others while focusing on their own wellbeing. Tickets can be booked at eventbrite. 

Alongside these events, a wide range of mental health support is available.

• Everyday mental health tips: NHS approved advice at Every Mind Matters.    
• Urgent mental health support available 24/7: Call NHS 111 (option 2) or text 07860 025 281 
• Support from your GP practice: Your GP is there for your mental health and physical health. Many practices now have Social Prescribers for help with things like loneliness, money worries, housing or getting active.
• Out of hours help from Rethink for adults (18+): Wolverhampton Sanctuary Hub, 84 Salop Street. Call 0808 802 2288 or text 07860 065168
• NHS Talking Therapies (16+): Self refer for support with anxiety, stress, depression and low mood at Wolverhampton Talking Therapies. 
• Local community support: Find local organisations on the Hub of Hope directory.
• Children and Young People: Support is available through Base 25 (call 01902 572040, visit base 25) and Kooth (free, anonymous online mental health support at Kooth). Young people can also access confidential support from the School Nursing Service (01902 441057) or via ChatHealth by texting 07507 332631. Parents and carers can access advice about specialist mental health services for children and young people through the CAMHS Single Point of Access on 01902 444021 (advice only; referrals must be made by a professional).
• Parents and Infants: The Best Start Family Hubs Parent and Infant Wellbeing Team offer a range of weekly activities to help parents with their wellbeing and build positive bonds with their infants, including baby massage, Baby & Me wellbeing groups, coffee mornings, Bumps and Babies Walks as well as one to one buddying. To find out more, please email FHParent.InfantWBTeam@wolverhampton.gov.uk. For further advice, visit Your mental health.

World Mental Health Day also coincides with World Homeless Day, recognising the close links between mental wellbeing, homelessness and access to support services.