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In a city of 9.5 million people, it’s still possible to feel lonely. Research shows that <a href="In a city of 9.5 million people, it’s still possible to feel lonely. Research shows that 700,000 Londoners say they feel lonely ‘most’ or ‘all' of the time and London has even been named the loneliest place to live in the UK. And, contrary to popular belief that it’s mainly older people who experience loneliness, it affects many young adults – a recent study revealed that 16 to 29-year-olds are over two times as likely to report feeling lonely often or always than those over the age of 70. Unfortunately, loneliness is associated with an increased risk of certain mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem and sleep disorders. With this in mind, Good Thinking is proud to support Great Mental Health Day 2024 (#GreatMentalHealth) on Friday 26 January, which is highlighting the power of relationships and social networks as a way to boost your wellbeing. We believe that, in challenging times, it’s more important than ever to reach out to others and stay connected. To mark the day, we spoke to one of the organisations that is helping to tackle the loneliness epidemic in London. David Gradon, founder of The Great London Friendship Project, set it up after being left (like many young adults) feeling increasingly isolated and lonely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Three years on, it now has over 35,000 members, its events regularly draw 100 to 200 young adults and it has big plans to transform the community project into a national charity and bring about social change with some exciting new campaigns and partnerships." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">700,000 Londoners say they feel lonely ‘most’ or ‘all' of the time</a> and London has even been named the <a href="https://www.mylondon.news/news/health/london-named-loneliest-place-live-27003726" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">loneliest place to live in the UK</a>.&nbsp;And, contrary to popular belief that it’s mainly older people who experience loneliness, it affects many young adults – a recent study revealed that <a href="https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/press-release/younger-brits-report-higher-levels-of-loneliness/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">16 to 29-year-olds are over two times as likely to report feeling lonely often or always than those over the age of 70</a>.

Unfortunately, loneliness is associated with an increased risk of certain mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem and sleep disorders.&nbsp;With this in mind Good Thinking is proud to join <a href="https://thriveldn.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Thrive LDN</a> in supporting <a href="https://thriveldn.co.uk/great-mental-health-day-in-london/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Great Mental Health Day 2024</a> (#GreatMentalHealth) on Friday 26 January, which is highlighting the power of relationships and social networks as a way to boost your wellbeing. We believe that, in challenging times, it’s more important than ever to reach out to others and stay connected.To mark the day, we spoke to one of the organisations that is helping to tackle the loneliness epidemic in London.&nbsp;David Gradon, founder of <a href="https://friendship-project.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Great London Friendship Project</a>, set it up after being left (like many young adults) feeling increasingly isolated and lonely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;Three years on, it now has over 35,000 members, its events regularly draw 100 to 200 young adults and it has big plans to transform the community project into a national charity and bring about social change with some exciting new campaigns and partnerships.

<h3>Thank you for speaking to us, David. Could you tell us why you set up The Great London Friendship Project?</h3>

I set up the project as I know from first-hand experience just how hard it can be to find a sense of community in London and make new friends as a young adult.&nbsp;People move around a lot and many work remotely, especially post-COVID. Meanwhile, community centres, pubs and other traditional hubs for social connection are waning and the rising cost of living has made socialising more difficult than ever.&nbsp;And although we’re supposed to be more connected than ever through the internet and social media apps, sadly it often provides what I describe as a ‘fast food diet of connection’.&nbsp;But the turning point for me personally came during lockdown when I felt increasingly isolated and in a far lonelier place than I’d ever been before. I was working from home, couldn’t see my friends and my long-term relationship had come to an end.&nbsp;&nbsp;Over the course of the two years, my social circle had slowly but surely been devastated by the pandemic and communities that I had been part of had been forced to dissolve.So coming out of the pandemic in 2021, I was left with the need to rebuild and yet, when I looked at the available options for connection, I was bemused that the only options seemed to be faith groups, sports clubs and, worst of all, dating apps.There was nothing for young adults who simply wanted to connect, build new friendships, find community and rebuild their social circle, whilst exploring the very best of what London has to offer.So, The Great London Friendship Project was very much born out of my own frustration, my own desire for connection and a passion to help other Londoners who were in the same situation as me to cultivate meaningful connections.

<h3>What does the project do for young adults?</h3>

We’re on a mission to combat the growing crisis of loneliness among young adults and create a brighter, more socially connected future for them – in which no young adult feels they have nowhere to turn when experiencing loneliness.We do this through lots of weekly community events for adults between the ages of 20 and 39 across London, such as social walks, games nights, quizzes, board game nights and picnics.Our events are based on member requests and feedback, it’s free to join and everything we offer is either free or low-cost, thanks to the relationships we’ve built with venues and organisations across London.Alongside this, we also run charity events, like our <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C1RkpUqo3Vd/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Santa Challenge</a> in aid of youth homelessness, and a range of online spaces to connect our members outside of events and befriending initiatives – for example, matching people up at Christmas or as travel buddies.In addition, we also advocate for wide-scale social change and work with organisations, health bodies and charities to raise awareness of the prevalence of loneliness amongst young adults and tackle the stigma.

<h3>How has The Great London Friendship Project evolved?</h3>Our very first event in November 2021 was a social walk of just 12 people, but within a matter of months, this grew exponentially.&nbsp;By May 2023, our events were getting around 100-200 people, we had over 30,000 members and we were running three or four events a week, as we are today.However, with a full-time job in marketing and running the project in all of my spare time, I was becoming massively overstretched by how it fast it had grown.&nbsp;At the same time, I had started reading a lot about loneliness and growing my awareness about the prevalence of the issue amongst young adults.Whilst I had known it was a problem from the sheer numbers of young adults attending our events, the stories I’d heard and my own experience, I was shocked to learn that:<ul><li>Nearly <a href="https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/adhocs/15615publicopinionsandsocialtrendsgreatbritainhowoftendoyoufeellonelynovember2022tofebruary2023" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">50-60% of young adults report that they experience loneliness on a weekly basis (nearly double that of the average population)</a>.</li><li>The harmful physical impact of loneliness is now known <a href="https://www.inc.com/amy-morin/americas-loneliness-epidemic-is-more-lethal-than-smoking-heres-what-you-can-do-to-combat-isolation.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">to be equivalent to 15 cigarettes a day</a>.</li><li>Individuals between the ages of 16 and 34 <a href="https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cdp-2023-0215/#:~:text=In%2520June%25202022%252C%2520the%2520Department,at%2520greater%2520risk%2520of%2520loneliness." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">are five times more likely to suffer from chronic loneliness than those over 65</a>.</li><li>Over 80% of young adults wouldn’t talk about their experience of loneliness <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/research-exploring-the-stigma-associated-with-loneliness/loneliness-stigma-rapid-evidence-assessment-rea" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">for fear of being judged or mocked</a>.</li></ul>And yet when I looked at the provisions and organisations set up to tackle the issue, I was shocked by how starkly little there was for the age group overwhelmingly shown to be statistically in most dire need of support – young adults.Impassioned (but with a fair amount of trepidation), I decided to leave my stable full-time job and gave myself six months to transform the community project into a grassroots movement with national aspirations.Since then, we’ve had 100s of conversations with local authorities, charities and other organisations to try and challenge the misconceptions, educate people about the severity of the crisis that faces us and raise vital funding to keep the project alive.Whilst it’s an ongoing battle and often feels like we’re fighting upstream, we’ve been heartened by a number of organisations that have come out in support of our mission over the last few months and we’re now working on a range of exciting opportunities that we hope will come to fruition in 2024.

<h3>It sounds like you’ve had an exciting few years… what’s next for The Great London Friendship Project?</h3>

Whilst loneliness is particularly pronounced in London, we’re acutely aware that this issue isn’t just a London problem – it also affects young adults all over the UK.We now have big ambitions to massively scale up our operations and become a national charity in the next 24 months, so we can support young adults across the country.However, in order for that to happen, policymakers, health bodies and the general public first need to recognise the scale and severity of the problem.&nbsp;As part of this, we’re currently working on a major campaign that we hope will help to put this issue on the agenda, as well as challenge some of the damaging common misconceptions around loneliness.&nbsp;We’re also working with leading universities to evaluate our approach, so we can develop a strong evidence base and blueprint for our national expansion.And, of course, in the meantime, we’ll continue to change lives through creating community and connection at our large events across London, as we help to try and make the capital a little less lonely for young people.

<a href="https://thriveldn.co.uk/great-mental-health-day-in-london/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Great Mental Health Day (GMHD)</a> aims to get Londoners talking about mental health, highlight the great support available and, crucially, support people to feel more confident in asking for the help they need.For 2024, Great Mental Health Day will explore the importance of meaningful connections and highlight the power of relationships, collectivising and social networks.On the day, 1,000s of Londoners will come together across 100s of free GMHD events to share stories and experiences and explore ways to support individual and community wellbeing.<ul><li><a href="https://thriveldn.co.uk/communications/toolkits-and-resources/toolkit/great-mental-health-day-2024-supporters-pack/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Download the Supporter’s Pack</a></li><li><a href="https://thriveldn.co.uk/great-mental-health-day-in-london/local-events/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Find events in your local area</a></li><li><a href="https://thriveldn.co.uk/great-mental-health-day-in-london/join-an-online-event-for-great-mental-health-day-2024" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Join an online event</a></li><li><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G2S-rZEs1aNM8kobKzob0DKdMyFSXk1P78o_UpiaaAM/edit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spread the word on social media (#GreatMentalHealth)</a></li><li><a href="https://thriveldn.co.uk/great-mental-health-day-in-london/frequently-asked-questions/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read the FAQs</a></li><li><a href="https://thriveldn.co.uk/about/contact-us/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Contact Thrive LDN</a></li></ul>

Get involved with Great Mental Health Day 2024 on Friday 26 January

As London’s digital mental wellbeing service, Good Thinking supports Londoners to look after their mental health and wellbeing in a way that works for them.&nbsp;If you’re experiencing loneliness and it’s making you feel anxious, stressed or depressed, we’re here to help with a range of free NHS-approved resources, including:<ul><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/advice/five-ways-good-mental-wellbeing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Five ways to good mental wellbeing (guide)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Five ways to good mental wellbeing for different faiths (guides)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/free-apps-for" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Free NHS-approved wellbeing apps</a></li><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/advice/how-to-cope-loneliness" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How to cope with loneliness (advice)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/how-guides/quick-guides-support-others" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Quick guides to support others</a></li></ul>

Get support if you (or someone you know) is feeling lonely 

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Ahead of Great Mental Health Day 2024 on Friday 26 January, David Gradon explains how he is helping young adults across London to build meaningful connections.

Good Thinking meets... The Great London Friendship Project

How does the new year make you feel – full of excitement and optimism or worried about what the next 12 months might hold? January is always a challenging time and, with the cost of living pressures, it’s more important than ever that we look out for our friends, relatives, neighbours, colleagues and other people we know.One way you can help your community is by getting involved with <a href="https://thriveldn.co.uk/communications/campaign/great-mental-health-day-2023/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Great Mental Health Day 2023</a> (#GreatMentalHealth) on Friday 27 January. Facilitated by Good Thinking and Thrive LDN, this awareness day aims to get Londoners talking about mental health, take the stigma out of asking for help and highlight the many support services available.Last year, thousands of Londoners came together on Great Mental Health Day. As one 2022 participant commented, “It made us stop and remember to look after each other”. This year, we’d love even more people to take part and we’re encouraging community groups, employers and other organisations across London to get involved.&nbsp;Here are a few ways you can celebrate the power of community kindness and support Londoners’ mental health and wellbeing on Great Mental Health Day 2023.

Connecting with others has enormous benefits for mental health and wellbeing so this is the perfect opportunity to bring people together for a few hours at the end of January. Focus on activities that boost mood and improve resilience and make your event free and as inclusive as possible. You could:<ul><li>Set up a group walk around your local area&nbsp;</li><li>Arrange a fitness, meditation or yoga class</li><li>Host a coffee morning</li><li>Run a parent and baby session</li><li>Organise an art exhibition or poetry competition</li></ul>If you already run a playgroup, music class, sports club, food bank or warm space – or if you work with a particular community (e.g. a faith group or young people) – why not celebrate Great Mental Health Day together?At your event, you could provide a safe space for people to discuss how they are feeling and encourage them to get help if they need it. You might even like to invite a representative of a local wellbeing service or mental health charity to speak to your members.Find more event suggestions on the <a href="https://thriveldn.co.uk/communications/campaign/great-mental-health-day-2023/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Great Mental Health Day 2023 </a>website.

Host an event for Great Mental Health Day

Making Great Mental Health Day a success requires a collective effort. But we know that organising community events takes time and effort so <a href="https://thriveldn.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Thrive LDN</a> and Good Thinking have developed a <a href="https://thriveldn.co.uk/communications/toolkits-and-resources/toolkit/thrive-ldn-communications-toolkit-great-mental-health-day/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">communications toolkit</a> with lots of free posters and graphics for you to share on social media to make things easier:<ul><li>Download the <a href="https://thriveldn.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Thrive-LDN-GMHD-2023-communications-toolkit-Jan-version.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Great Mental Health Day communications toolkit</a></li><li>Download digital assets such as social media graphics and share them on your Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter pages from the <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1CUOrGfZ7V9ZQg6p3L5p1R0k_g8adTk3F?usp=share_link" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Thrive LDN Google Drive</a></li></ul>Don’t forget to let us know if you’re organising an event for Great Mental Health Day 2023 – please email the details to <a href="mailto:info@thriveldn.co.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">info@thriveldn.co.uk</a> in advance and send in your event photos on the day. All the events are advertised on an <a href="https://thriveldn.co.uk/communications/campaign/great-mental-health-day-2023/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">interactive map</a>, enabling people across London to search and find events they would like to attend.&nbsp;If you can’t host an event, you can still help us to raise awareness about Great Mental Health Day 2023:<ul><li>Post on social media using #GreatMentalHealth</li><li>Share event information in WhatsApp groups</li><li>Promote the day in a newsletter</li></ul>

Promote Great Mental Health Day and your event in your local community

Over the last five years, Good Thinking has helped hundreds of thousands of Londoners to deal with anxiety, stress, low mood and sleep problems.&nbsp;We provide free NHS-approved wellbeing apps, a self-assessment tool, quick quizzes, articles, podcasts and other free resources.If you’re hosting an event for Great Mental Health Day this month (or you’d like to promote good mental wellbeing in your community all year round), print out and share Good Thinking’s resources with as many people as possible. As a free 24/7 digital service, we can help you to start a positive conversation about mental wellbeing and help all Londoners to get their 2023 off to a great start.How to bring Good Thinking into your event:<ul><li>Print out <a href="https://goodthinking-strapi.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/Good_Thinking_Leaflet_ed155edd51.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Good Thinking postcard flyers</a> and place them around the space you are using for your event or meeting</li><li>Print some of our posters and stick them up around your event space or in communal areas (4 posters available - <a href="https://goodthinking-strapi.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/JC_0423_Good_Thinking_Poster_A4_AW_01_763d8bef5e.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">poster 1</a>, <a href="https://goodthinking-strapi.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/JC_0423_Good_Thinking_Poster_A4_AW_02_39da00f16b.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">poster 2</a>, <a href="https://goodthinking-strapi.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/JC_0423_Good_Thinking_Poster_A4_AW_03_32ed9e7f26.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">poster 3</a>, <a href="https://goodthinking-strapi.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/JC_0423_Good_Thinking_Poster_A4_AW_04_f2699fe195.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">poster 4</a>)</li><li>Print some Good Thinking resources to share with attendees, like our <a href="https://goodthinking-strapi.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/JC_0423_CYP_5_Ways_Poster_v3b_c9c05c4725.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Five ways to wellbeing for children and young people (posters)</a> or the <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Five ways to good mental wellbeing for faith and belief communities (various guides including Buddhism, Christianity and Judaism)</a></li></ul>

Share Good Thinking’s free resources 

If you can’t host or attend an event in person, you can still get involved with Great Mental Health Day 2023.Good Thinking and Thrive LDN have organised the following free online events on Friday 27 January:<ul><li>Webinar to introduce <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/good-thinkings-guide-to-looking-out-for-those-around-you-in-tough-times-tickets-510745773357" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">‘Good Thinking’s guide to looking out for those around you in tough times’</a> (11:00-11:45)</li><li>‘A Radically Caring Pause’ event, which focuses on drawing on your own strengths (13:00-14:00)</li><li>Hands-on Ikebana (flower arranging) workshop (14:00-16:00)</li></ul>Register for all or any of these free online events <a href="https://thriveldn.co.uk/latest/news-and-blog/all/great-mental-health-day-2023-online-events/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.

Join an online event

Thank you in advance for supporting Great Mental Health Day 2023! We look forward to hearing about your activities and how you’re celebrating the power of community kindness in your local area.

Great Mental Health Day 2023: How will you celebrate the power of community kindness?

From socialising to gaming, ordering food to watching movies, you probably use apps for lots of things. So why not use them to help you look after your mental health too?There are thousands of mental health and wellbeing apps available on the app stores, which might be quite overwhelming. To help you, together with mental health experts, Good Thinking has identified some of the best NHS-approved apps available for both adults and young people, and provides Londoners with free access to them.We are delighted to announce that the full version of the <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/resources/feeling-good" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Feeling Good app</a> is available to download for FREE through Good Thinking (it usually costs £24.99).

<h2>What is Feeling Good?</h2><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/resources/feeling-good" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Feeling Good</a> offers audio track programmes that combine deep relaxation with Olympic sports techniques that calm your mind and body and lift your mood, helping you to feel more positive, let go of worries, sleep better and deal with stress more easily. In this way, they help you to feel better within yourself and more able to cope with life's ups and downs.<h3>Why use Feeling Good?</h3><ul><li>Increase wellbeing and positive mindset</li><li>Sleep better and worry less</li><li>Reduce depression and stress</li><li>See problems as challenges</li><li>Increase vitality and self-esteem</li></ul>

<h2>What is Feeling Good Teens?</h2><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/resources/feeling-good-teens" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Feeling Good Teens</a> is a shorter, age-appropriate version of the NHS-accredited Feeling Good app, designed for 10-15 year olds. The audio tracks teach skills in:<ul><li>Muscle relaxation</li><li>Slowing down breathing</li><li>Calming the mind</li><li>Building self-confidence</li><li>Copying with exam stress</li><li>Enabling better sleep</li></ul>

<h2>What do Londoners say?</h2>We asked Good Thinking Digital Health Ambassadors at Partnership for Young London to take a closer look at the Feeling Good app and the Feeling Good Teens app. Here’s what they thought:<blockquote>“It helped me to understand certain emotions that I was experiencing and how to combat the negative feelings. I would recommend it to anyone suffering with poor mental health and may be hesitant to seek professional help. This app would give them the confidence to reach out and potentially calm negative thoughts as answered are provided.” Page (15 years old)</blockquote><blockquote>“I was pleasantly surprised with the variety of categories available for helping you, such as ‘confidence boost’ or ‘sleep better’. There was even a playlist for ‘stop smoking’ and even though of course it may not be 100% effective, it could be used alongside smoking cessation advice from GPs or specialist services to stop smoking.” Jakob (17 years old)</blockquote><blockquote>﻿“The Feeling Good app is an extremely useful app that I’d recommend for anyone and everyone. Through exploring it, I found that it guides one in making peace with the all-consuming worries and struggles that exist in life, by immersing the user in its relaxing and calming world. It helped to put me at ease and it leaves you, as the title says, feeling good.” Salem (18 years old)</blockquote>

<h2>Find out more</h2><ul><li>Watch our <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/good-thinking-guide-mental-health-apps-feeling-good" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">webinar</a> with Dr Alastair Dobbin and Sheila Ross, co-founders of the Feeling Good apps</li><li>Listen to our <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/podcasts-videos-webinars/feeling-good-app-dr-alastair-dobbin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">podcast</a> with Dr Alastair Dobbin, co-founder of the Feeling Good apps</li></ul>

The Feeling Good app is available FREE for Londoners via Good Thinking! Find out how the Feeling Good and Feeling Good Teens apps can help you to boost your mood and become mentally stronger.

Kick off 2024 Feeling Good!

This year’s <a href="https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/world-mental-health-day" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">World Mental Health Day</a> (10 October 2023) has an important message – that mental health is a universal human right. As the digital mental wellbeing service for London, one of the most diverse cities in the world, the same message is at the heart of what we do here at Good Thinking. To mark #WMHD, we’ve created a range of new <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/campaign-hub" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">communications toolkits</a> that can be used to raise awareness of our free wellbeing resources developed through the lens of different faiths.

“Everyone, whoever and wherever they are, has a right to the highest attainable standard of mental health. This includes the right to be protected from mental health risks, the right to available, accessible, acceptable, and good quality care, and the right to liberty, independence and inclusion in the community.” <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2023/10/10/default-calendar/world-mental-health-day-2023---mental-health-is-a-universal-human-right#:~:text=World%20Mental%20Health%20Day%202023%20is%20an%20opportunity%20for%20people,as%20a%20universal%20human%20right." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">World Health Organization</a>

We know there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution for mental health support and that it should reflect how people live and what their values are. That’s why the Good Thinking service provides resources for a broad range of audiences, including <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/parents-and-carers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">parents and carers</a>, <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/youngpeople" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">young people</a> and <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/employers-and-employees" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">employers</a>, and in the form of <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/free-apps-for" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">apps</a>, <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/how-guides" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">guides</a> and other tools. Mental health support aligned with faith and beliefsA couple of years ago, we identified a growing need to develop wellbeing resources for faith communities across London. Cultural competence in healthcare is about respecting and appreciating the cultural contexts of patients’ lives so we developed these resources hand in hand with faith leaders, local councils, health professionals, voluntary organisations and local residents.&nbsp;The result is a collection of free resources that contains bespoke versions of Good Thinking’s <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/advice/five-ways-good-mental-wellbeing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Five ways to good mental wellbeing</a> guide that align with the beliefs and teachings of various faiths. Bereavement advice, video messages from faith leaders and fact checks about common mental health misconceptions are also included in the support available. You can access these resources (some of which are available in various languages and in printable formats) by clicking the links below:<ul><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities/buddhism" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Buddhism</a></li><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities/christianity" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Christianity</a></li><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities/hinduism" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hinduism</a></li><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities/humanism" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Humanism</a></li><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities/islam" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Islam</a></li><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities/judaism" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Judaism</a></li><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities/rastafari" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rastafari</a></li><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities/sikhi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sikhi</a></li></ul>

“By incorporating people’s beliefs and values into NHS guidance not only makes it more relatable and useful, it makes our communities feel valued. It gives us a sense of belonging in an inclusive Britain. This promotes trust in the healthcare system and wider society.” Dr Imrana Siddiqui, GP and clinical lead for mental health, North East London ICB

Help us spread the word - download a communications toolkitAhead of World Mental Health Day, we’ve created new communications toolkits that can be used by faith leaders, community and council representatives, GPs and members of the public to raise awareness of the support offered to faith communities by Good Thinking. The toolkits are available to download <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/campaign-hub" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> and include new copy and graphics for use on social media.

Want to get involved with World Mental Health Day?<ul><li>Get your friends or colleagues together for a <a href="https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/get-involved/events-and-fundraising/do-your-own-fundraising/tea-talk-world-mental-health-day" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tea &amp; Talk</a>&nbsp;</li><li>Wear a <a href="https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/green-ribbon-mental-health-awareness" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">green ribbon pin badge</a> to show others that you care about mental health</li><li><a href="https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/world-mental-health-day" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spread the word</a> about World Mental Health Day on your social channels</li><li>Donate or fundraise for a mental health charity, such as <a href="https://www.mind.org.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mind</a> or <a href="https://www.youngminds.org.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YoungMinds</a></li></ul>

Looking for support from Good Thinking for yourself or someone you know?<ul><li>Check out our <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/free-apps-for" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">free NHS-approved wellbeing apps</a></li><li>Use our <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/self-assessments" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">self-assessment tool</a> to stay on top of your mental health</li><li>Take a look at our <a href="https://goodthinking-strapi.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/Looking_out_for_those_around_you_guide_f8b02d5670.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">quick guide to supporting friends and family</a></li><li>Read our latest <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/latest/all" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">news, advice and blogs</a></li></ul>

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New Good Thinking toolkits will help faith communities across London to focus on their wellbeing in line with their religious beliefs.

World Mental Health Day 2023

It’s been a busy start to the year for the Good Thinking team with Great Mental Health Day (27 January) and Children’s Mental Health Week (6-13 February). To mark these important initiatives, we’ve produced a <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/how-guides/quick-guides-support-others" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">series of quick guides </a>that help Londoners to look out for other people who may be struggling with their mental health. This week, we’re launching the final two guides – one to help children and young people support their friends and another to help parents and carers support their kids.<a href="https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Children’s Mental Health Week</a> (#ChildrensMentalHealthWeek), which is organised by the charity Place2Be, shines a spotlight on children and young people’s mental health and highlights the importance of early intervention to address issues before they become more serious. With this year’s theme being ‘Let’s connect’, we’re proud that our new Good Thinking guides will help families across London to make meaningful connections and support other people’s mental wellbeing.Over the last five years, we’ve worked with various youth organisations, including Partnership for Young London, The Student Room, Muslim Youth Helpline and The Diana Award, to co-create Good Thinking resources based on lived experience of mental ill health. For Children’s Mental Health Week 2023, we’ve once again teamed up with Partnership for Young London to get direct input from teens and also worked with Thrive LDN to incorporate its conversation starter tips in our new guides.&nbsp;Here’s a quick summary of what you’ll find in the guides, which are available <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/how-guides/quick-guides-support-others" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>. We hope you find them helpful as a way to connect and take care of your family and friends.<h2>Looking out for your friends</h2><h3>Good Thinking's quick guide to help children and young people support friends who may be struggling with their mental health.</h3>Being kind and looking out for others is an important part of being a good friend. In this guide, we suggest three simple steps that children and young people can take to support their friends who may be experiencing anxiety, stress or other mental health concerns.<ul><li>Step 1: Spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health in someone else</li><li>Step 2: Check in and let them know you care</li><li>Step 3: Help them to get the support they need, including professional help</li></ul>In the guide, we’ve included a series of practical tips on starting a conversation, which were developed by Thrive LDN in collaboration with pupils and teachers at St Mary’s RC Primary School, Wimbledon. Plus, there are links to useful Good Thinking resources – including free NHS-approved wellbeing apps, such as <a href="/resources/clear-fear" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Clear Fear</a> and <a href="/resources/feeling-good-teens" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Feeling Good Teens</a> – and other support organisations.

<h2>Looking out for children and young people</h2><h3>Good Thinking’s quick guide to help parents and carers support their child if they are struggling with their mental health.</h3>This guide is also structured around three simple steps (1. Spot the signs, 2. Check in, 3. Help them get support) that help parents and carers to check in with their child and support their wellbeing.We know how difficult it can be to discuss mental health with a young person so we hope you find Thrive LDN’s conversation starter helpful. Developed in collaboration with St Mary’s RC Primary School, Wimbledon, it includes advice about finding a quiet space to chat, listening carefully and helping your child to take control of the next steps.Of course, we recognise that some children and teenagers need urgent support or professional help. So, as well as recommending free NHS-approved wellbeing apps and other Good Thinking resources, we’ve included signposts to charity and NHS helplines.&nbsp;

<h3>Further Good Thinking resources</h3><ul><li><a href="https://goodthinking-strapi.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/JC_0423_CYP_5_Ways_Poster_v3b_c9c05c4725.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">'Five ways to wellbeing’ posters for children and young people</a></li><li>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/free-apps-young-people" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Free NHS-approved wellbeing apps for under-18s</a></li><li>&nbsp;<a href="https://goodthinking-strapi.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/Good_Thinking_Leaflet_ed155edd51.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Good Thinking printable postcard flyer</a></li><li>&nbsp;<a href="https://goodthinking-strapi.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/JC_0423_Good_Thinking_Poster_A4_AW_01_763d8bef5e.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Good Thinking printable poster</a></li><li>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/articles/how-get-urgent-support" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Urgent support for children and young people</a></li></ul>

New guides for children, young people, parents and carers help Londoners to connect with and support other people.

Children’s Mental Health Week 2023: Good Thinking launches wellbeing guides for families

Last Friday, we joined Thrive LDN and many other organisations across London to celebrate <a href="https://thriveldn.co.uk/communications/campaign/great-mental-health-day-2023/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Great Mental Health Day 2023</a> (#GreatMentalHealth). Thousands of Londoners came together in person and online to talk about mental health and highlight the support services available.&nbsp;It was such a positive day in these tough times and we now have one simple wish – that everyone continues to prioritise their own wellbeing this year and supports the people around them.&nbsp;

<h3>Good Thinking webinar highlights the power of community kindness</h3><iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U2HbXeCSR8c?showinfo=0"></iframe> “It’s in the darker days that our friends, families, local communities,&nbsp;colleagues and workmates really help us to pull through.”&nbsp;Jemma Gilbert OBE, Transformation Partners in Health and CareOn Great Mental Health Day, the Good Thinking team held a webinar to launch the first in a series of short guides that help Londoners support friends, family, colleagues and others who might be struggling with their mental health.&nbsp;Our panel of experts (Jemma Gilbert OBE, Director of Transformation at Transformation Partners in Health and Care, Natasha Cutler, Project Lead at Thrive LDN and Yemisi Osibote, Head of Workforce - Staff Experience at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust) discussed the importance of looking out for other people and helping them deal with stress, anxiety and other mental health concerns.&nbsp;Following Jemma’s introduction about Great Mental Health Day and Good Thinking, Natasha introduced Thrive LDN’s conversation starter resource (SIGNSS) and Yemisi provided insights into Royal Free London’s focus on employee wellbeing. Webinar attendees also got involved, putting live questions to the speakers and taking part in two polls.

<h3>New guides from Good Thinking help you to look out for others</h3>“Simply giving someone space to talk and listening to&nbsp;how they are feeling can be really helpful.” Natasha Cutler, Thrive LDNWe’ve developed two new Good Thinking guides as we know it can be difficult to spot the signs of mental ill health in someone else and start a conversation about it.&nbsp;Mental health issues are often stigmatised so many people feel uncomfortable discussing how they feel and may be worried that they will be judged for talking about their concerns. Indeed, an online poll during last week’s webinar revealed that the biggest barriers to talking about mental health are the fear of being judged and not knowing what to say.Good Thinking are here to support you with checking in on those you care about.<h3>Download the guides now:</h3>

<a href="https://goodthinking-strapi.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/Looking_out_for_those_around_you_guide_f8b02d5670.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Good Thinking’s quick guide to supporting friends, family and others in your local community who may be struggling with their mental health</a>

Looking out for those around you

<a href="https://goodthinking-strapi.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/Looking_out_for_friends_and_colleagues_at_work_guide_c6ee3e3d3e.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Good Thinking’s quick guide to supporting people you work with who may be struggling with their mental health</a>

Looking out for friends and colleagues at work

Each guide suggests three simple steps to help you check in with other people regularly and see how they are:<ul><li>Step 1: Spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health in someone else</li><li>Step 2: Check in and let them know you care</li><li>Step 3: Help them to get the support they need, including professional help</li></ul>We’ll be launching the next two guides (one for children and young people and one for parents and carers) very soon so watch this space!

<h3>Thousands of Londoners support Great Mental Health Day</h3>“It’s really important to allow people to share their pain&nbsp;and to listen non-judgmentally.” Yemisi Osibote, Royal Free London NHS Foundation TrustIt was great to see so many events taking place last week to celebrate Great Mental Health Day. To give you a flavour of what happened across London…<ul><li><a href="https://speakerboxstreetparty.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Speaker Box Street Party</a> brought local residents together at Waltham Forest Town Hall to boost their mental health through music and dance.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.haringey.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/health/public-health/mental-health-and-wellbeing/great-mental-health-haringey/great-mental-health-day#:~:text=We're%20delighted%20to%20confirm,with%20a%20variety%20of%20events." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Haringey Council </a>and local partners hosted a variety of events, including a craft afternoon, a ‘Sit and Stretch’ session and a parent health fete.</li><li><a href="https://thriveldn.co.uk/communications/campaign/great-mental-health-day-2023/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Thrive LDN</a> hosted two Ikebana art workshops and a Radically Caring Pause workshop online.</li></ul>

<h2>Resources highlighted at the webinar</h2><ul><li><a href="https://goodthinking-strapi.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/Looking_out_for_those_around_you_guide_f8b02d5670.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Looking out for those around you guide</a></li><li><a href="https://goodthinking-strapi.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/Looking_out_for_friends_and_colleagues_at_work_guide_c6ee3e3d3e.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Looking out for friends and colleagues at work guide</a></li><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/employers-and-employees" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Good Thinking employer toolkit</a></li><li><a href="https://thriveldn.co.uk/communications/toolkits-and-resources/toolkit/thrive-ldn-mental-health-conversation-starter/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Thrive LDN mental health conversation starter guide</a></li><li><a href="https://thriveldn.co.uk/latest/news-and-blog/all/core-conversations/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Thrive LDN core conversations training</a></li><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/apps/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Free NHS-approved wellbeing apps for adults</a></li><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/self-assessments/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Self-assessments for anxiety, sleep, depression and stress</a></li><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/urgent-support/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Urgent support</a></li></ul> <h2>Good Thinking resources</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/articles/five-ways-good-mental-wellbeing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Five ways to good mental wellbeing guide</a></li><li>'Five ways to good mental wellbeing’ guides for different faiths including <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities/buddhism/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Buddhism</a>, <a href="https://staging.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities/christianity" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Christianity</a>, <a href="https://staging.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities/hinduism/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hinduism</a>, <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities/islam/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Islam</a>, <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities/judaism/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Judaism</a>, <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities/rastafari" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rastafari</a> and <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities/sikhi/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sikhi</a></li><li><a href="https://goodthinking-strapi.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/JC_0423_CYP_5_Ways_Poster_v3b_c9c05c4725.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">'Five ways to wellbeing’ posters for children and young people</a></li><li><a href="https://goodthinking-strapi.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/Good_Thinking_Leaflet_ed155edd51.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Good Thinking printable postcard flyer</a></li><li><a href="https://goodthinking-strapi.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/JC_0423_Good_Thinking_Poster_A4_AW_01_763d8bef5e.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Good Thinking printable poster</a></li></ul>

Good Thinking marks Great Mental Health Day 2023 by launching two new quick guides to help Londoners support friends, family, colleagues and others who might be struggling with their mental wellbeing.  

Good Thinking x Great Mental Health Day 2023

People across London have told Good Thinking there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution when it comes to their mental health. They want information and support that reflects who they are and the challenges they face and that they can access whenever and wherever they need it.Today, we are proud to introduce an enhanced version of the Good Thinking service so that we can continue to deliver what Londoners need, especially as everyone deals with the stresses of the cost of living this winter. Our new website has:<ul><li>A new look and feel, including a calmer colour palette</li><li>Improved accessibility and user experience, making it easier for you to find the help you need</li><li>A continued focus on promoting positive self-care for Londoners and providing resources you can trust to help reduce anxiety, lower stress, boost mood and improve sleep</li></ul>Five years on from the launch of Good Thinking, we continue to put user insights at the heart of our service and work closely with faith communities, youth groups and other organisations across London to co-create tailored content. Our most recent user survey revealed that people use Good Thinking regularly – two in five respondents said they use it at least every few weeks and a quarter visit at least weekly – so we want to build on this momentum and continue to support Londoners with timely and relevant advice.As Jemma Gilbert OBE, Director of Transformation, Healthy London Partnership, says, “We know that many people will be suffering at this time. We want to make as much support available as possible by relaunching the Good Thinking website with all the same great resources but with improved navigation so that, if you are time pressured, you can quickly surface the resources that will most help you.”<h3>What’s new on Good Thinking?</h3><ul><li>Easier user journey – find the help and tools you need more quickly. Navigate to Good Thinking’s resources by mental health condition, audience and type of resource, or get personalised advice by using our self-assessment tool.</li><li>New ‘Latest Advice’ section – stay up to date with Good Thinking’s latest news and articles as well as guest blogs from mental health experts and Londoners.</li><li>Warmer and more calming colours – we’ve refreshed our brand colour palette to make the Good Thinking website more calm and welcoming and to appeal to Londoners of all backgrounds and ages.</li><li>Accessibility improvements –&nbsp;we’ve followed Web Content Accessibility Guidelines to ensure that Good Thinking is more accessible for people with different abilities and access needs.&nbsp;</li><li>Interactive features – Good Thinking users can now interact with our content more easily, thanks to page ‘like’ buttons and social media sharing buttons.</li><li>Content updates – based on our own research and listening to communities across London, we regularly review Good Thinking’s advice to reflect the current mental health challenges that Londoners are facing and to respond directly to their support needs.</li></ul><h3>Why is Good Thinking more important than ever?</h3><ul><li>One in four adults in the UK experience mental ill health (<a href="https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NHS</a>).</li><li>Around a third of adults and young people say their mental health got much worse during the COVID-19 pandemic (<a href="https://www.mind.org.uk/coronavirus-we-are-here-for-you/coronavirus-research/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mind</a>).</li><li>One in six children aged five to 16 have a probable mental health problem – that’s five children in every classroom (<a href="https://www.youngminds.org.uk/about-us/media-centre/mental-health-statistics/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YoungMinds</a>).</li><li>Almost a fifth of Londoners (19%) are struggling financially in 2022 (<a href="https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/the-rising-cost-of-living-and-its-effects-on-londoners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Greater London Authority</a>).</li><li>Demand for mental health services is rising – there were a record 4.3 million referrals in England during 2021 (<a href="https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/news-and-features/latest-news/detail/2022/03/15/record-4.3-million-referrals-to-specialist-mental-health-services-in-2021" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Royal College of Psychiatrists</a>).</li></ul><h3>What do our users think of Good Thinking?</h3>“It’s a really good website and for people who are a bit reluctant to speak to people, it's very good to turn to, like the advice in there really did help me, especially with the sleep so it's something I am thankful for.” Good Thinking survey respondent, Spring 2022“I love the part about faith and belief communities… it's amazing because I didn’t find anything like that on other websites, it is very inclusive, very sensitive.” Good Thinking survey respondent, Spring 2022“I'd definitely recommend it as a place with useful tips for people like those moving to university, going through bereavement, children.” Good Thinking survey respondent, Spring 2022<h3>What do London mental health experts say about Good Thinking?</h3>

<h3>Find out more about Good Thinking</h3>

More than 690,000 people have already benefited from Good Thinking’s on-demand and round-the-clock mental health support – why not check out our new-look service to see how we can help you on your path to good mental wellbeing?

A new-look Good Thinking –  created by Londoners for Londoners

With the launch of Good Thinking in November 2017, London became the first global city to deliver a city-wide digital mental wellbeing service. It was built on in-depth user insights and we had a clear mission: use digital technologies to provide free, personalised, safe, high-quality mental health support that Londoners could access 24/7. Our initial focus was on offering clinically-validated self-assessments and NHS-approved apps.“It’s a really good website and for people who are a bit reluctant to speak to people, it's very good to turn to, like the advice in there really did help me, especially with the sleep so it's something I am thankful for.” Good Thinking survey respondent, October 2022Back in 2017, no one had any idea that two enormous mental health challenges lay ahead: a global pandemic and a cost of living crisis. To help Londoners who were anxious about COVID-19 and those who sadly lost loved ones to the virus, we quickly expanded Good Thinking’s resources to include hundreds of new ‘how to’ guides, podcasts, videos and workbooks. We also worked closely with faith and belief communities across London to provide tailored wellbeing content and support. And, now, we are offering advice on dealing with the stress of rising household bills and how to remain resilient this winter.“I love the part about faith and belief communities… it's amazing because I didn’t find anything like that on other websites, it is very inclusive, very sensitive.” Good Thinking survey respondent, October 2022More than 690,000 people have used the Good Thinking service over the last five years – at home, at school, at university and at work; on the bus and on the tube; in the middle of the afternoon and in the early hours of the morning. We’re extremely proud to have had almost a million total visits to our website since 2017 but we’re determined to help even more Londoners find their own path to good mental wellbeing.“I'd definitely recommend it as a place with useful tips for people like those moving to university, going through bereavement, children.” Good Thinking survey respondent, October 2022To mark our fifth anniversary, we’ve once again asked Good Thinking stakeholders, including users and representatives of the NHS and local government, for their feedback about the service. We’ve taken their comments and updated the look and feel of Good Thinking and made it easier to find the advice and tools you need to help you look after your mental wellbeing. We’ll unveil the refreshed Good Thinking service later this month – you can rest assured, it still has the same resources that hundreds of thousands of people already trust. To hear about how Good Thinking is supporting Londoners this winter, please join us at our virtual event at 11:00-12:00 on Thursday 17 November 2022. Professor Kevin Fenton, Regional Director for London at the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), will lead the discussion on the impact of the cost of living crisis on mental health and the importance of boosting community resilience through collaboration. For further details and to register, visit our <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/looking-after-londoners-mental-health-over-the-winter-months-tickets-451658020297" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Eventbrite page</a>.

<h2>Five ways to use the Good Thinking service</h2>Five years into the Good Thinking journey, here are five ways you can use our service to get the support you need. We hope you find Good Thinking useful and, if you do, please share our website with your friends, family and colleagues – it could be just the help they are looking for.

If you’re feeling anxious, down, stressed or having trouble sleeping, the Good Thinking self-assessment tool will provide you with a guiding diagnosis, helpful resources and, if necessary, relevant treatment options. Our self-assessments are private and secure and only take 15-20 minutes to complete.Take your <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/self-assessments/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Good Thinking self-assessment</a> now or find out more about it in this <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/articles/use-good-thinking-self-assessments-stay-top-your-mental-health" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">article</a>.

1. Self-assessments

We work with leading app providers to offer NHS-approved wellbeing apps for free to Good Thinking users. Our library includes apps to reduce anxiety, get better sleep, lower stress, boost mood and manage other mental health concerns.If you’re an adult who uses the Good Thinking service, you can access apps including <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/resources/be-mindful/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Be Mindful</a>, <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/resources/mycognition/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MyCognition PRO</a> and <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/resources/tomo/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tomo</a>. For young people, we recommend apps such as <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/resources/clear-fear/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Clear Fear</a> and <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/resources/student-health/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Student Health App</a>.

2. Free NHS-approved apps

These five steps, which are recommended by the NHS, Mind and other mental health organisations, include connecting with other people and being physically active. They are such a good starting point for improving mental wellbeing that we have worked with faith leaders, youth groups and other organisations across London to develop various resources based on this framework.Check out Good Thinking’s <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/articles/five-ways-good-mental-wellbeing/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Five ways to good mental wellbeing guide for adults</a>, <a href="https://goodthinking-strapi.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/JC_0423_CYP_5_Ways_Poster_v3b_c9c05c4725.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Five ways to wellbeing posters for children and young people</a> and <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Five ways to good mental wellbeing for faith and belief communities</a>.

3. Five ways to good mental wellbeing

When you take one of our four quizzes (anxiety, low mood, stress, sleep), you are asked three simple questions. Based on your answers, a set of Good Thinking resources is generated that is tailored to suit your needs. This might include recommendations for apps or links to helplines and charities.Take the <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/anxious/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">anxiety quiz</a>, <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/low/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">low mood quiz</a>, <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/stressed/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">stress quiz</a> or <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/sleep-deprived/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sleep quiz</a> now.

4. Quick quizzes

As well as accessing workbooks from the Centre for Clinical Interventions (on topics such as anxiety, mindfulness and self-compassion), you can use two Good Thinking workbooks that were co-created with experts from the NHS.Our <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/sleep-workbook/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sleep Workbook</a> is a six-module programme that helps you to improve your sleep quality and our <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/coping-trauma-better-mental-health/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Trauma Workbook</a> includes techniques that are helpful if you have experienced something traumatic in your life.

5. Workbooks

On 1st November 2022 we celebrate 5 years of Good Thinking and helping over 690,000 people to find their own path to good mental health and wellbeing.

Good Thinking supports over 690,000 people over first five years

How can we make mental health and wellbeing a global priority for everyone? That is the theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day, which the Good Thinking team supports wholeheartedly. On the 10th of October, we’re delighted to be joining Thrive LDN, the Mayor of London and other organisations for Access All Areas, a free World Mental Health Day festival created by young Londoners for young Londoners at City Hall. “By incorporating people’s beliefs and values into NHS guidance not only makes it more relatable and useful… It gives us a sense of belonging in an inclusive Britain.” Dr Imrana Siddiqui, GP and Clinical Lead for Mental Health, NEL CCG The NHS is working hard to put mental health on an equal footing with physical health and, here at Good Thinking, we’re supporting Londoners by providing a free 24/7 digital mental wellbeing service. Over the last five years, we have spoken to many Londoners (e.g. through our Digital Health Ambassadors programme and other user research) to better understand their needs, tailor our content and reach people where they are looking for support (e.g. on social media and in community groups). “I prefer to use self-help tools because I think you have more freedom of choice to explore what is out there and make your own decisions.” Participant in Good Thinking user research&nbsp; Recognising that there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution when it comes to mental health, our website contains resources:<ul><li>For a broad range of audiences, including <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/parents-and-carers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">parents and carers</a>, <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/youngpeople/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">young people</a> and <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">faith communities</a></li><li>To address the most common mental health concerns, including <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/anxiety/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">anxiety</a>, <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/low-mood/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">low mood</a>, <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/stress/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">stress</a> and <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/sleep/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sleep problems</a></li><li>In different formats, including <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/free-apps-for/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">apps</a>, <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/how-guides/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">guides</a>, <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/podcasts-videos-webinars/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">podcasts</a>, <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/podcasts-videos-webinars/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">videos</a> and <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/workbooks/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">workbooks</a></li></ul>We also work closely with digital inclusion experts, such as the London Office of Technology and Innovation (LOTI), to better understand digital inequalities and ensure that as many Londoners as possible can access our free wellbeing apps and other online resources. “There’s always hope… it’s really important that we are able to challenge people’s misconceptions around mental health conditions.”Juliette Burton, member of The Speakers Collective One in four adults in the UK experience mental ill health and it is often more prevalent in the communities facing the most inequalities. With the COVID-19 pandemic having disproportionately affected ethnic minority groups and a number of research studies associating religion and spirituality with better mental health, in 2021, the Good Thinking team developed a range of culturally competent mental health resources.We worked with faith leaders, local councils, health professionals, voluntary organisations and local residents to co-create the resources, which include ‘Five ways to good mental wellbeing’ guides for the following faiths:&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities/buddhism/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Buddhism</a></li><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities/christianity/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Christianity</a></li><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities/hinduism/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hinduism</a></li><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities/islam/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Islam</a></li><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities/judaism/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Judaism</a></li><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities/rastafari/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rastafari</a></li><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities/sikhi/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sikhi</a></li></ul> “Good Thinking gives us some very important tools that we can use to manage our mental wellbeing, while engaging with our faith-based traditions.” Muhammad Uddin, Newham Muslim Forum As we adapt to living with COVID-19, other events such as the cost of living crisis and the war in Ukraine are putting a strain on Londoners’ mental health, so it’s more important than ever to reach out for help. Good Thinking is here to support you on your path to good mental wellbeing – not just on World Mental Health Day but every day.&nbsp;Learn more about <a href="https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/world-mental-health-day" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">World Mental Health Day</a> and the <a href="https://thriveldn.co.uk/campaigns/access-all-areas/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Access All Areas festival</a> for young Londoners on 10 October. You can also follow #WorldMentalHealthDay on social media and share your messages of hope at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/messagesof.hope" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@messagesof.hope</a> on Instagram. <h2>Good Thinking resources</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/bereavement/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Faith-based bereavement resources</a></li><li><a href="https://goodthinking-strapi.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/JC_0423_CYP_5_Ways_Poster_v3b_c9c05c4725.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">‘Five ways to wellbeing for children and young people’ posters</a></li><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/apps/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Free NHS-approved wellbeing apps for adults, including Be Mindful and tomo</a></li><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/free-apps-young-people/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Free NHS-approved wellbeing apps for young people, including Clear Fear and Student Health App</a></li><li><a href="https://goodthinking-strapi.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/JC_0423_GT_Mental_Health_and_Me_v4_1_6edfce37dd.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">‘Mental health and me' guide</a></li><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mental wellbeing guides for faith and belief communities</a></li><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/podcasts-videos-webinars" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Podcast interviews with a range of organisations, including Christians Against Poverty, The Muslim Youth Helpline and The Student Room</a></li><li><a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/self-assessments/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Self-assessments (anxiety, low mood, stress, sleep)</a></li><li>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/coronavirus/speakers-collective-series/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Speakers Collective mini-series (videos about how COVID-19 affected people with lived experience of mental health)</a></li></ul>

Why Good Thinking strives to be a digital mental wellbeing service for all Londoners.

World Mental Health Day 2022

7-13 February is <a href="https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/about-the-week/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Children’s Mental Health Week</a>, an annual event to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing amongst children and young people.The theme of this year’s event is Growing Together. The past couple of years have been an extremely challenging time for everyone. Children and young people have faced disruption to their school life and education as well as long periods of separation from their friends and relatives. We’ve all had to adapt to different ways of living, working, studying and socialising – and Growing Together is about how we’ve all grown and addressed these challenges over the past couple of years, as well as how we can support one another to continue growing in the future.Children’s Mental Health Week is led by <a href="https://www.place2be.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Place2Be</a>, a provider of mental health services in schools across the UK for over 25 years. They have a range of resources available throughout the week designed for parents, carers, teachers and young people themselves.Good Thinking also has a set of resources designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people across London. Take a look through our <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/free-apps-young-people/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">range of free apps</a> and <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/youngpeople/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">podcasts</a> specifically designed for young people. We also have <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/youngpeople/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tips for better mental wellbeing</a> on a wide range of topics, including <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/articles/children-and-young-people-who-are-being-bullied" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bullying</a>, <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/youngpeople/q-eating-disorders/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">eating disorders</a>, <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/how-cope-death-loved-one/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bereavement</a> and <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/articles/disinformation-misinformation-fake-news" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">identifying fake news</a>.If you’re a <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/parents-and-carers/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">parent or carer for a young person</a>, we have a range of resources designed to support you in helping your child manage anxiety, stress, sleep problems or low mood.And if you’re a young person aged 15-25 years and are feeling up for the challenge, we’re looking for Digital Health Ambassadors to help us to ensure that young Londoners have a voice in creating change and engaging in conversations that affect public policy across the mental health space. <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/youngpeople/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Find out more</a> and get in touch.

Children’s Mental Health Week is an annual event to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing amongst children and young people

Growing Together for Children’s Mental Health Week: 7-13 February 2022

On 28 January, boroughs across London will be joining together to celebrate a new event designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of people living and working across our city.The past two years have been extremely challenging for all of us. We’ve faced restrictions on things that we previously took for granted, such as spending time with family and friends, going on holiday and even taking part in activities that we used to enjoy when looking after our health and wellbeing, such as going to the gym, cinema or theatre. This sense of isolation and the worries and fears that some people have experienced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic have put a strain on mental health and wellbeing for many of us.Great Mental Health Day was conceived by the London borough of Haringey but now has support spanning the whole of London in collaboration with Thrive LDN and Good Thinking. The event aims to:<ul><li>raise awareness of the mental health services, community organisations and activities available both locally and regionally across London;</li><li>challenge stigma often associated with mental health and asking for help;</li><li>encourage frank and open conversations about mental health and wellbeing; and</li><li>sign-post Londoners to the most appropriate form of advice and help to meet their needs.</li></ul>Keep an eye out on our social media pages on Great Mental Health Day, where we’ll be posting information about the range of advice, guidance and support available through the Good Thinking service.We’d also love you to get involved. Why not share a short video on social media telling us how you look after your mental health and wellbeing, destress, sleep better or reduce anxiety. Don’t forget to tag us in.Twitter - @GoodThinkingUKFacebook and Instagram - @goodthinkingukUse the hashtag #greatmentalhealthYou can find out more about the London-wide Great Mental Health Day campaign <a href="https://thriveldn.co.uk/campaigns/greatmentalhealth/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.You can also <a href="https://www.good-thinking.uk/subscribe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter</a>, offering resources, advice and guidance to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.

London comes together to celebrate Great Mental Health Day 2022

Great Mental Health Day 2022

Good Thinking’s latest news, advice and tips on managing your mental health plus guest blogs and personal stories from experts, Good Thinking users and communities from across London.

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Good Thinking meets... The Great London Friendship Project

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LAST REVIEWED 16 January 2024

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Good Thinking supports over 690,000 people over first five years

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