A CHARITY on a mission to help Southampton become a mental health friendly city is asking residents and workers to assist with shaping its website (January 2024).

Southampton Mental Health Network, supported by Southampton City Council, wants people to test its site and give feedback online to help ensure it's providing clear information in an easy-to-use way.

Ann Jones, who is helping at Southampton Mental Health Network and is a volunteer with member organisation and charity, Communicare, explains:

"For websites, it is key to have a layout that makes it easy for the user to find what they are looking for.

"I've worked on educational websites for many years and regularly checked with students to find out what content they needed, and whether the website was easy to navigate. It is no good having great information if it is hard to find, which is why we are looking for feedback from Southampton Mental Health Network website visitors to make sure they are finding what they need easily."

Anyone interested in testing the website and giving online feedback, so the charity can develop the site further and ensure it is as user friendly as possible, is invited to visit www.smhn.org.uk and then to fill in a response form at Help shape our website | SMHN (www.smhn.org.uk/news/story.php?id=help-shape-our-website-1267) or https://forms.office.com/e/9TDDMQzrAv.

Chair of the charity's Board of Trustees, Susan Hayward, who is also Mental Health Educator and Trainer, says:

"We're working hard as a charity, collectively with our members, to make Southampton a better place to live and work. Part of our work involves improving communication between everyone and our website is key to this. However, we don't want to create a site that people find difficult to use, so we'd really welcome feedback from anyone, aged 16 plus, living or working within postcodes SO14-19, who has a few moments to spare and can have a look for us.

"Everyone's views are relevant, no matter what your experience of mental wellbeing is. At Southampton Mental Health Network, we believe that mental wellbeing is something we all need to be aware of, whether you feel mentally well or struggle with poor mental health, as we can all play our part in making Southampton a mental health friendly city."

Southampton Mental Health Network became publicly active in 2019 and, with more than 100 member organisations involved in its development, became a charity in September 2022.

Working together, these organisations want to make Southampton a mental health friendly city, ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion for all.

Southampton Mental Health Network aims to create welcoming spaces for discussion, be understanding and supportive of those living with mental health challenges, boost wellbeing and improve knowledge and awareness in the city.

To find out more about or to join Southampton Mental Health Network, please visit www.smhn.org.uk.