Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

This is a free, confidential service for residents. Trained professionals help to identify troubling thoughts through tailored sessions with those looking to improve their mental health.

• City & Hackney – Self-referral form or huh-tr.talkingtherapy@nhs.net

• Newham – Self-referral form or 0208 175 1770

• Tower Hamlets – Self-referral form or 0208 175 1770

• Bedfordshire and Luton – Self-referral form or 01234 880400

Immediate help can be provided for those in crisis or distress via walk-in services across our east London boroughs. This is a safe, supportive place for those who feel they are struggling and/or not coping.

City & Hackney

• The Raybould Centre, City and Hackney Centre for Mental Health, London, E9 6SR

• Monday – Friday: 6pm-9pm, Saturday and Sunday: 12pm-4pm

• elft.crisiscafe2@nhs.net or 07393 762 366
   

Newham

• Stratford Advice Arcade, 107-109 The Grove, London, E15 1HP

• Monday – Thursday: 5-9pm, Friday – Sunday: 3-9pm

• togethercafe@mindthnr.org.uk or 07511 075 701
   

Tower Hamlets

• 86 Old Montague Street, Whitechapel, London, E1 5NN

• Monday – Friday: 5-9pm, Saturday and Sunday: 12-9pm

• Th.togethercafe@nhs.net or 0808 196 2103

Charity Mind BLMK provides services for adult residents across Bedfordshire and Luton struggling with their mental health.

Recovery Lounges are provided across various locations in BLMK, and appointments are not required. Each site is open from 5pm-11pm, and you can take a look at Mind’s website for the daily schedule.

Those with lived experiences of mental health conditions run free educational workshops and courses to promote wellbeing and support people along their recovery.

• City & Hackney – Registration form,  0208 525 4480 or 07789 716 362

• Newham – elft.newhamrecoverycollege@nhs.net or 07823 900 600

• Tower Hamlets – Registration form or 0207 426 2332

• Bedfordshire and Luton – Registration form, elft.recoverycollege@nhs.net, 01234 263621 (Bedford) or 01582 315987 (Luton)

Designed for young people aged 13-18, this is an educational project for those living across Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Luton. Workshops are designed to help young people develop life skills, creativity, personal growth and healthy relationships, while prioritising mental health and wellbeing.

To enrol, please complete the online registration form. If you require assistance, you can email elft.camhsdiscoverycollege@nhs.net.

Fully qualified mental health professionals and trained volunteers from across Leighton Buzzard have co-produced a face-to-face drop-in service for anybody who would like support.

You do not need a diagnosis of a mental health condition to turn up, and it is tailored towards those who:

• Would like advice as part of their recovery

• Want support if they are close to/experiencing a mental health crisis

• May be feeling lonely or isolated

• Would like advice about caring for a loved one with a mental health condition

• Need help with practical issues like applying for benefits

• Need signposting to a range of other services in Bedfordshire

• Would like to join in activities, such as a gardening group or monthly quiz nights
   

The service can be found at Whichellos Wharf The Elms, Stoke Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 2TD. It is open from 5:30-9pm on Mondays and Tuesdays, and 10am-3pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. For more information, you can contact elft.thelighthouse@nhs.net.

The Trust, along with local partner organisations, will be holding various events throughout the week.

12 May 2025

• Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Open Day at Stratford Advice Arcade from 10:30am-1:30pm. Learn more about how we can help you into employment. Hosted by IPS WorkWise.

14 May 2025

• Celebrating Community at Plaistow Library from 10:30am-1pm with six stalls supporting health and wellbeing and refreshments. Hosted by London Borough of Newham.

• Recovery College Open Day at Stratford Advice Arcade from 12-5:30pm including taster sessions on self-care, drama, yoga and laughter, exercise and awareness trees.  

• Health Assertiveness Workshop at Stratford Advice Arcade from 4-5:30pm. See registration details in flyer. Hosted by Newham Together Café.

15 May 2025

• Bedfordshire & Luton Recovery College Live Performance at Bedford Wellbeing Centre from 5:30-8:30pm. Full details can be found in the flyer.