The power of culture supports mental health in Wandsworth
Published: Friday, October 10, 2025
Today is World Mental Health Day. As part our year as London Borough of Culture we are pioneering one of the UK’s largest Creative Health programmes with more than 20 projects to tackle health inequalities through culture.
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“We are using our year as London Borough of Culture to showcase how engagement in the creative arts supports better mental and physical health. Culture can inspire, heal and help people stay connected,” said Deputy Leader, Kemi Akinola.
Culturally Mindful brings together Global Majority artists, healthcare providers and grassroots organisations to create new approaches to health and wellbeing support, with residencies at St George, Queen Mary’s, Springfield children’s ward, Springfield’s adult ward hospitals and at the Royal Hospital of Neuro-disability
The comprehensive Wandsworth Heritage Collection, which includes hundreds of items representing local history, is being used to help people with dementia. Memory Boxes can be booked and used to support people to connect with the past. Meanwhile weekly Dance for Dementia sessions use movement to slow down the effect of the condition.
The Brighter Living Fair runs throughout October, helping older people live healthy, independent lives in which they connect with their community. Events include opportunities to try art and music.
And there are programmes to support the mental health of children, including music therapy and movement therapy, as well as the Breath Melodies for Mums project at the Tooting Family Hub to support mothers at risk of post-natal depression.
Local dance group Pointe Black are holding a special class on movement, mental health and collective healing at the Royal Academy of Dance on October 19. Wandsworth residents can get a discount and there will be 15 free tickets for residents of the Winstanley and York Road Estates. Find out more.
There is also a wide range of local mental health services for people who need support. Graeme Henderson, Cabinet Member for Health, said: “This World Mental Health Day we encourage all residents to take a moment to reflect on their mental wellbeing and to reach out for support if needed. Mental health affects us all, and talking about it can make a real difference.”
If you're concerned about your own mental health, or that of a family member or colleague, please speak to your GP.
Services for young people include counselling and support for parents and carers, including free online support from Kooth.
Adults can access free and confidential talking therapies for issues like stress, anxiety, and low mood.
Urgent help is available for anyone facing a mental health crisis.
