Power of Hello Campaign launches
‘Power of Hello’ Campaign launches
Southampton residents and businesses are being urged to get involved with a citywide charity campaign we’re launching to promote positive mental health and wellbeing.
We’re asking people to come together for our ‘Power of Hello’ Campaign – counting down to the city’s Mental Health Friendly Day in 2026.
Action Strategy
Our Coordinator, Chloe explains: “Building on actions from the Southampton Mental Health and Wellbeing Action Strategy and our ethos to make Southampton a mental health friendly city, we’re launching our Power of Hello Campaign in December to build to Southampton Mental Health Friendly Day in 2026.
Southampton Mental Health Friendly Day
“In September, our members and partners joined forces to launch the very first Southampton Mental Health Friendly Day, which will take place on July 8, and we aim to make this an annual event. This will be an annual dedicated day for our city to come together, make real personal connections and promote and share access to resources for mental health support.
Good mental health
“Our Power of Hello Campaign will focus on celebrating good mental health, encouraging social connectedness and promoting the simple yet powerful act of saying ‘hello’ to each other and how important that is. It will culminate on July 8 with social gatherings in all corners of the city, at a grassroots level, with an emphasis on meeting and greeting each other.”
The citywide Power of Hello Campaign promotes a simple message encouraging residents and those that work in Southampton to connect with others, reduce isolation and strengthen community ties.
Boost positive mental wellbeing
Chloe adds: “We would like as many businesses, organisations, charities, companies and individuals as possible to get involved – even if just in a small way by saying ‘hello’ to someone in the street or making eye contact and sharing a smile on a bus journey. The simple, friendly act of acknowledging another person and their existence could make someone’s day – and yours too – helping boost positive mental wellbeing.
Countdown
“We’re launching this at this time of year when awareness of loneliness is more prominent than ever, but also, December 20 is the official launch of our 200-day countdown to Southampton Mental Health Friendly Day 2026. Our Power of Hello Campaign will run throughout the 200 days and feature in members and partners events and awareness initiatives too. We’re giving everyone 200 days, so 200 good reasons to say hello to someone, but equally love it if everyone starts sooner!”
Charities, businesses, educational establishments and individuals are invited to join the countdown to Southampton Mental Health Friendly Day 2026 by supporting the Power of Hello Campaign.
How to get involved
“We’re hoping everyone gets behind it – whether in a big or small way – to help raise awareness of our ultimate goal to make Southampton a mental health friendly city, which is good for everyone. We have created a toolkit here for people to download regardless of whether they are Network members or not, so they can display Power of Hello posters in shop windows and on noticeboards and use Power of Hello visuals on their websites, on social media and in any newsletters sent out.”
As Southampton Mental Health Friendly Day 2026 draws closer, Southampton Mental Health Network is asking existing neighbourhood groups or organisations that already host regular sociable events such as coffee mornings, lunches and teatime events to get in touch. The Network would like to help promote these events on its website, via social media and its member newsletters to help foster connection and confidence for those who may feel hesitant to join social spaces.
Chloe concludes: “We’re better together. By working collaboratively with awareness raising campaigns like this and our Southampton Mental Health Friendly Day, we can make Southampton a city where positive mental health and wellbeing thrive.”
Who’s already involved
Thank you
Photo taken with thanks to Tim Kenyon Photography.