Two London charities are coming together to break down stigma around mental health.

Hestia, which supported almost 2,500 Londoners through our mental health services last year, and the London Mayor’s Charity Thrive LDN, will be bringing the first ever ‘Problem Solving Booth’ to Brent. The Problem Solving Booth is a community-led pop-up that encourages residents to stop by, have a cup of tea and chat with their neighbours about their mental health. Passers-by can choose whether to sit in the chair labelled ‘helper’ or labelled ‘helped’ and can take turns listening and offering advice for whatever issue they are comfortable discussing.

During the session, trained staff from Hestia’s Brent mental health service, which already delivers a range of mental health and well-being services across Brent, and Thrive LDN will be on hand to signpost to specialist services. Often, mental health is stigmatised leaving individuals embarrassed to come forward and seek support. The Problem Solving Booth aims to address this issue and show that everyone has mental health.

Joy Goddard, Co-Production Coordinator at Hestia and facilitator of the day says

“1 in 4 of us will be experiencing a mental health crisis at any given moment. The Problem Solving Booth is a relaxed way for members of the community to sit down and talk face to face. No one should be ashamed to admit they are experiencing a mental health crisis, we must end that stigma and it starts with the local community.”

The Problem Solving Booth will be located at the Harlesden Jubilee Clock from 12-2pm on Friday 2^nd March. No appointment is necessary.

ENDS

Notes to editors 

About Hestia: 

At Hestia, we support adults and children across London in times of crisis. Last year we worked with more than 9,000 people, including victims of modern slavery, women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, young care leavers and older people. From giving someone a home to helping them to get the right mental health support, we support and enable people at the moment of crisis.

Hestia runs 33 mental health services across 10 London boroughs. Hestia has been working for over a year across Brent supporting people with their mental health and wellbeing. We have a team of peer support workers, employment support workers, trainee social workers and a co-production coordinator.

Local residents can find out more about Hestia’s services in Brent by emailing [email protected].

Hestia.org | @Hestia1970