You might have noticed that since February, You Massage (we) have started hosting Mental Health groups ran by Mental Health Southampton, a project that aims to build a mental health-friendly community in Southampton by organizing in-person groups, discussing mental health-related themes and educating individuals on well-being tools.
The groups are run by Roxy, a mental health practitioner with a passion for educating the community on mental health and well-being. They run on a monthly basis and welcome anyone who is interested in learning more about mental health, either due to facing their own mental health struggles, knowing someone who does, or just pure curiosity!
Drawing on from her experience, Roxy has become passionate about the importance of
maintaining our mental health by regularly using evidence-based well-being tools, such as mindfulness, journaling, breathing exercises and gratitude, rather than only seeking help when our mental health is already suffering. She is also passionate about the importance of community and the sense of belonging and being accepted as who we are, which are basic
human needs.
We live in fast-paced, stressful times where we tend to overlook the importance of our
mental health, and keeping a healthy balance of achieving, connecting with loved ones and performing activities we enjoy. This is reflected in the rise in mental health issues as we have become more disconnected from ourselves, each other and the environment.
‘A recurrent theme I see in many people who suffer from mental health issues is a lack of community, of supportive relationships, of deeper connection with others, which is what inspired me to start these groups, as safe spaces where people can come and meet others and listen compassionately to each other. A safe, non-judgemental space where people can be authentically themselves, wherever they find themselves in their life, whether they want to share and celebrate a win, or share something they’ve struggled with.’ – says Roxy
Every group has a specific theme that the facilitator introduces at the beginning of the
session, which then leads to a group discussion where participants can share their opinions and experiences if they wish to, while the others listen with compassion. After the sharing is over, the facilitator will introduce about a well-being tool and the scientific evidence for it, and demonstrate it for the group to try it.
The groups are donation-based with a minimum suggested donation of £5 either cash or through PayPal which helps keep the groups running. Before attending we encourage you to fill in an intake form to let us know why you are willing to attend and what you hope to get out of the groups.
You can get in touch with Roxy via email, at mentalhealthsouthampton@gmail.com
or via Instagram at @mentalhealthsouthampton ,as well as join the Facebook group ,
Mental Health Southampton Support Group.
Next Session is tonight 24.03.23 at 6pm
