Key Points
- Haringey is spearheading Great Mental Health Day (GMHD) with a range of local celebrations and support events for residents.
- The initiative originated in Haringey in 2021 and has expanded London-wide, marking its fifth birthday as a significant milestone.
- Thrive LDN has published a blog detailing the five-year milestone of GMHD.
- Local events on Friday, 30 January, include workshops, walks, coffee mornings, day trips, creative sessions, and community lunches, all open to the public.
- Cllr Lucia das Neves, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care & Wellbeing, has commented on the events.
- Specific events hosted by ABC Parents, Haringey Walks Programme, Get Active Team, Turkish Cypriot Community Association (TCCA), House of Polish and European Community (HOPEC), Sewn Together, and Community Cook Up.
- London-wide online events by Thrive LDN focus on “everyday spaces” as informal sanctuaries.
- Haringey Council collaborates with schools, diverse communities, and healthcare professionals to promote mental health support.
Haringey, London (North London News Desk) – January 17, 2026 – Haringey is once again at the forefront of Great Mental Health Day (GMHD), organising a comprehensive lineup of events to bolster residents’ wellbeing. This flagship initiative, which launched locally in 2021 and has since grown into a London-wide observance, celebrates its fifth anniversary with mindfulness sessions, community walks, day trips, coffee mornings, and more. All events emphasise connection and support, ensuring accessibility for diverse communities across the borough.
What Is Great Mental Health Day and Why Does It Matter in Haringey?
Great Mental Health Day began in Haringey five years ago, transforming from a local effort into a citywide movement. As detailed in Thrive LDN’s official blog post on the milestone, the initiative has evolved to highlight accessible mental health support amid rising demand post-pandemic.
Haringey Council positions itself as the originator and leader, with events designed to foster community ties. Cllr Lucia das Neves, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care & Wellbeing, emphasised the borough’s pioneering role. As quoted directly from the council’s announcement, Cllr das Neves stated: “Local events taking place.” This underscores the hands-on approach, blending celebration with practical wellbeing activities.
The council’s strategy extends beyond one day, aiming to embed mental health awareness year-round. By partnering with grassroots organisations, Haringey ensures events reflect the borough’s multicultural fabric, from Turkish Cypriot gatherings to Polish community outings.
Which Local Events Are Scheduled in Haringey for 30 January?
Haringey has lined up a packed schedule of free, inclusive events on Friday, 30 January, catering to all ages and backgrounds. These activities promote relaxation, physical movement, and social interaction, key pillars of mental health.
ABC Parents is hosting the council’s flagship Great Mental Health Day event at Tottenham Community Sports Centre. Running from 9am to 3pm, it features mental health and wellbeing workshops, a raffle, dancing, reiki and meditation, arts and crafts, sewing, and fitness sessions. The event welcomes everyone, positioning it as a central hub for the day’s festivities.
Haringey Walks Programme and the Get Active Team are organising two guided walks, both lasting over 45 minutes and open to all. The first starts at 10.30am from Stonebridge Lock Waterside Centre near Café (N17 0XD), led by Janice, covering Tottenham Marshes. The second kicks off at 10.45am from Bruce Castle Park in front of the Pavilion Café (N17 8NJ), guided by Rebecca and Phyllis, circling the park. Participants are advised to dress for the weather.
The Turkish Cypriot Community Association (TCCA) will hold a coffee morning from 11am to 1pm, offering coffee, cake, and discussions on mental health and wellbeing. This event targets community members but remains open to all.
Sewn Together is dedicating the day to creative expression, relaxation, and stress reduction at Chestnuts Community Centre (N15 5BN) from 11am to 1pm. Activities focus on wellbeing through sewing and mindfulness, with all welcome.
Community Cook Up rounds out the afternoon with stretching, movement sessions, a community lunch, and games at Northumberland Park Resource Centre (N17 0HJ) from 1pm to 3pm. This event emphasises fun and nourishment for body and mind.
How Can Residents Join the HOPEC Sky Garden Trip?
One standout event precedes the main day: House of Polish and European Community (HOPEC) is arranging a free group trip to the Sky Garden on Thursday, 29 January. Spaces are limited, and interested residents must email admin@hopec.org.uk for details and to secure a place. Open to all, this outing offers a serene escape with panoramic London views, aligning perfectly with GMHD’s restorative theme.
What London-Wide Events Complement Haringey’s Efforts?
While Haringey leads locally, Thrive LDN coordinates broader celebrations under the banner of “everyday spaces” – informal sanctuaries where connections form and support emerges. Their online events span the capital, providing virtual access for those unable to attend in person. Full details, including a London-wide events list, are available via Thrive LDN’s GMHD page: Great Mental Health Day – Thrive LDN.
These complement Haringey’s programme by amplifying reach, with webinars and discussions reinforcing the message that help is readily available.
Who Is Driving Haringey’s Collaborative Mental Health Approach?
Haringey Council stresses a partnership model, working hand-in-glove with schools, diverse communities, and healthcare professionals. This ensures mental health resources are visible and tailored, from youth programmes in educational settings to culturally sensitive support in community centres.
Cllr Lucia das Neves reiterated the council’s commitment, noting in the official release that the goal is for “all residents [to] know help is out there should they need it.” This collaborative ethos has been central since GMHD’s inception, helping it scale from borough-specific to London-wide.
Why Has Great Mental Health Day Grown So Rapidly Since 2021?
Originating in Haringey amid the mental health challenges of the COVID-19 era, GMHD tapped into a pressing need for community-led solutions. Thrive LDN’s milestone blog attributes its success to grassroots momentum, with Haringey as the spark. Now in its fifth year, the day has inspired similar observances elsewhere, proving the power of localised, inclusive initiatives.
Events like those on 30 January build on this legacy, blending fun with education to destigmatise mental health conversations. Haringey’s diverse lineup – from reiki at ABC Parents to chats at TCCA – mirrors the borough’s population, ensuring broad appeal.
How Do These Events Support Everyday Mental Wellbeing?
Each activity targets proven wellbeing boosters: mindfulness combats stress, walks encourage exercise, and social gatherings combat isolation. For instance, Sewn Together’s creative sessions harness art therapy principles, while Community Cook Up’s lunch fosters belonging.
The council’s messaging is clear: these are not one-offs but gateways to ongoing support. By publicising events widely, Haringey empowers residents to prioritise mental health proactively.
What Makes Haringey a Leader in London Mental Health Initiatives?
Haringey’s track record sets it apart. As the birthplace of GMHD, the borough has hosted annual escalations, drawing praise from partners like Thrive LDN. Cllr das Neves’ leadership in health and wellbeing portfolios has steered this growth, with events now embedded in the community calendar.
This year’s programme exemplifies maturity: varied timings (from morning walks to afternoon lunches), multiple venues across Tottenham, Northumberland Park, and beyond, and inclusivity for all. Weather-prepared walks and limited-spot trips show thoughtful planning.
Are There Any Participation Tips for Haringey Residents?
Residents should check venues and prepare accordingly – sturdy shoes for walks, bookings for HOPEC. All events are free and welcoming, but early arrival is advised for popular spots like ABC Parents’ flagship. For online London events, Thrive LDN’s site offers straightforward registration.
Haringey Council urges turnout to celebrate five years of progress while reinforcing that mental health support remains a borough priority.
