The Southampton Mental Health Network, supported by Southampton City Council and the NHS, is asking people and businesses to take part in the ‘Power of Hello’ campaign.

The campaign, which starts in December, is part of the lead-up to the city’s Mental Health Friendly Day on July 8, 2026.

READ MORE: Housebuilder launches new partnership to support workers’ mental health

The campaign, is part of the lead-up to the city’s Mental Health Friendly Da (Image: Southampton Mental Health Network)

Chloe Naegeli, the Southampton Mental Health Network coordinator, said: “Building on actions from the Southampton Mental Health and Wellbeing Action Strategy and our ethos to make Southampton a mental health friendly city, we’re launching our ‘Power of Hello’ campaign in December to build to Southampton Mental Health Friendly Day in 2026.

“It will culminate on July 8 with social gatherings in all corners of the city, at a grassroots level, with an emphasis on meeting and greeting each other.”

The ‘Power of Hello’ campaign aims to connect people, reduce isolation, and strengthen community ties.

Ms Naegeli added: “We would like as many businesses, organisations, charities, companies and individuals as possible to get involved – even if just in a small way by saying ‘hello’ to someone in the street or making eye contact and sharing a smile on a bus journey.”

The campaign launch coincides with the 200-day countdown to Southampton Mental Health Friendly Day 2026 on December 20.

The campaign will feature in events and initiatives over the 200 days, giving 200 reasons to say hello to someone.

Charities, businesses, educational establishments, and individuals are invited to join the countdown to Southampton Mental Health Friendly Day 2026 by supporting the ‘Power of Hello’ campaign.

READ MORE: New group launched to help shape future mental health services

Ms Naegeli said: “We’re hoping everyone gets behind it – whether in a big or small way – to help raise awareness of our ultimate goal to make Southampton a mental health friendly city, which is good for everyone.”

Southampton Mental Health Network is asking neighbourhood groups or organisations that host regular sociable events like coffee mornings, lunches, and teatime events to contact them, to help promote these events and foster connection and confidence.

Ms Naegeli concluded: “We’re better together. By working collaboratively with awareness raising campaigns like this and our Southampton Mental Health Friendly Day, we can make Southampton a city where positive mental health and wellbeing thrive.”