To mark World Mental Health Day 2025, local organisations, health professionals, and community partners gathered at the Meritage Centre for a special Hub Connections event.
Centred on the theme “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” the event explored how Barnet’s health and wellbeing network can ensure services remain inclusive, accessible, and responsive in times of crisis.
Chaired by Beth Moriarty, Senior Manager at the North Central London Integrated Care Board (ICB), the session also included an overview of the NHS 10-Year Health Plan and Barnet’s local priorities for improving access to care. The event drew over 100 attendees, bringing together local residents, professionals, and partners committed to improving access to mental health support in Barnet.
Supporting Residents Through Crisis
Opening the event, The Honourable David Pinto-Duschinsky, Member of Parliament for Hendon, reflected on the daily reality of residents reaching out for help and the growing need for mental health support in the community.
We also spoke with David to ask what this year’s World Mental Health Day theme – Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies means to him in his role. He shared:
“I see in my post bag every day dozens and dozens of requests for help from people who are facing terrible situations.
We know that can often have a huge impact on people’s mental health. We know we’re seeing a silent epidemic of mental health. Mental health issues have gone up by more than 50% since the pandemic.
One in six adults in the UK have had some form of anxiety or depression in the last week. One in four adults have suffered some form of mental health issue.
That’s why it’s so important people know there are services and support to help them through these enormously difficult times.”
Connecting Residents to the Right Support
John Truong, Head of Operations at Barnet Wellbeing Hub and Meridian Wellbeing, shared insights into Emotional Health Checks that offer holistic wellbeing assessments for local residents.
He highlighted how the Hub connects residents to a wide range of support, including NHS Talking Therapies, advocacy, and community-based activities.
You can explore a range of wellbeing activities, taking place at the Meritage Centre and online, by visiting Meridian Wellbeing’s Events and Activities page.
Barnet’s new Suicide Prevention Strategy 2026–2030
Councillor Alison Moore, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care joined Seher Kayikci, Senior Public Health Strategist at Barnet Council, to officially launch Barnet’s new Suicide Prevention Strategy 2026–2030, titled “Stronger Together: Partnering to Save Lives and Prevent Suicide in Barnet.”
When asked why it was important to renew and strengthen Barnet’s suicide prevention plan at this moment in time, Councillor Moore explained:
“We’ve come out of COVID, and while our last strategy responded brilliantly in that context, we now need to look ahead. This strategy is about recognising that while relatively few people may find themselves in crisis, many more could and everyone needs to understand the risks and feel confident to support someone who might be struggling.
Suicide is everybody’s problem. Each life lost is a tragedy that affects families, friends and the wider community. Our goal is to ensure the work we do now has a tangible impact on people’s wellbeing across Barnet over the next five years.”
Looking Ahead
The Hub Connections: World Mental Health Day event served as a powerful reminder of Barnet’s shared commitment to ensuring that mental health services remain accessible, inclusive, and resilient even in the face of emergencies and change.
The discussions and stories shared throughout the day reflected the borough’s ongoing dedication to collaboration, early intervention, and community empowerment. From the launch of the new Stronger Together Suicide Prevention Strategy to the practical support offered through initiatives like The Stay Project, the event highlighted the strength of a collective approach.
