How to improve mental health across London, the city where 14 people take their lives every week

Studies have shown that Londoners report a lower level of life satisfaction, well-being and feeling of self-worth than the national average. Almost 10 per cent of children and young people living in the capital aged between five and 16 experiences a mental health issue and every week, more than 14 Londoners take their own lives. In 2015, 735 Londoners took their own lives. In the UK, suicide is the leading cause of death in people aged between 15 and 24 and the biggest killer of men under 49. And the wider impacts of mental ill health result in around £26 billion each year in total economic and social costs to London.

With more than two million Londoners experiencing mental health problems every year, the Mayor, Sadiq Khan, today launched Thrive LDN, a new movement to improve mental health and well-being across the capital.

The Mayor has joined forces with over 200 experts, voluntary, public and private organisations, clinicians and academics to spearhead a city-wide campaign that will support Londoners to lead healthier, happier lives.

Through Thrive LDN, six aspirations have been agreed for the capital, which include:

• Supporting more Londoners to maintain good mental health
• Developing a programme to stamp out mental health stigma and discrimination
• Working with schools and youth organisations to get young people involved
• Working with employers to improve mental health in the workplace
• Using digital technology to boost Londoners’ access to support and services
• Working with partner organisations to reduce the number of suicides in London

Inspired by a similar movement in New York, Thrive LDN will encourage better working between boroughs, health services, police, transport and voluntary sectors when dealing with people with mental health issues.

Today the Mayor visited TUFF FC (The Unity of Faiths Foundation) to launch Thrive LDN. TUFF FC is a football-based education project, designed to support youth integration and improve the mental well-being of young people. By bringing together children of different faiths and backgrounds, TUFF FC aims to combat issues such as drug addiction, extremism, isolation, gang involvement and knife crime early to prevent young people from developing poor mental health.

“People from all walks of life are affected by poor mental health, and nearly one in two will suffer a mental health problem at some point in their lifetime. I want London to become a more open and tolerant place where people can speak openly about their mental health and the support they need. Thrive LDN aims to improve Londoners’ awareness and understanding of mental health and achieve real improvements in support and care for those who need it.” said Khan.

The launch of Thrive LDN begins an open conversation with Londoners to encourage everyone to think more, talk more and act more when it comes to mental well-being. Events and a range of other activities are planned over the summer to kick-start the city-wide movement, including new ways of talking about mental through creating Problem Solving Booths, a massive social media and poster campaign and the launch of the Thrive LDN website.

“Today’s launch shows the progress we are making in London. We cannot make improvements on our own as a system, we need London’s communities, businesses, voluntary and support services to work with us. We have been overwhelmed by the response, willingness and involvement of partners to launch Thrive LDN and we look forward to working with more Londoners over the coming years.” said also Councillor Kevin Davis, Lead on Health for London Councils.

“The human spirit is far more powerful than any drug in the world, and that is what needs to be nourished with work, play, family and friendship… the simplest of things. Mental illness can be confusing. It leaves those who suffer and those around them disempowered. But misconceptions need to be debunked in order to tackle these problems directly. We may not always know the causes of a mental illness. It can be multi-causal, or a result of a traumatic incident. But to leave those who suffer from these issues to fend for themselves is already contributing to their demise. Thrive LDN will be key to bringing awareness and involvement to Londoners on issues surrounding mental health, which require to be addressed. Organisations like TUFF will benefit greatly from the Thrive LDN.” Dr Shamender Talwar, Co founder/ Trustee The Unity of Faiths Foundation (TUFF) added.