Support for your mental health in City and Hackney
Strugging with your mental health? The City & Hackney Wellbeing Network offers free drop in events (just come along!) or up to a year of specific support centred on your wellbeing goals (make a referral!)
Supporting wellbeing across City & Hackney
The City & Hackney Wellbeing Network offers free courses, group sessions and drop-in events for anyone looking to improve their mental health alongside their physical health, social networks and daily practical skills. Whether you need support, connection, or space to reflect, our partner organisations provide welcoming, inclusive spaces designed to help you feel better.
Upcoming courses in March
Discover our coursesUpcoming open access events
Discover our events
Queer Connect (18-25's) – 6/5/2026
Moreook onto sessions on the Eventbrite Page! – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/queer-connect-with-rainbow-mind-tickets-1829088445779?aff=oddtdtcreatorrnrnJOIN US EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY @ 6:30PM FOR QUEER CONNECTrnAn online space for young LGBTQIA+ people (aged 18-25), hosted by creative therapist Brendan (he/they)rnrn>>> What is Queer Connect (QC)??rnCOMMUNITY BUILDING: QC is UK wide, online and intersectionally inclusive, so you can grow who you know.rnrnCREATIVE SELF-CARE: QC is a creative space, so B.Y.O. creative projects or hobbies, and/or take part in guided activities rooted in radical self-care, compassion and creative therapy.rnrnON YOUR TERMS: QC is an open invitation to show up as you are and take up space. There's zero pressure to talk and you can choose how you want to connect with yourself and others.rnrnALL VIBES WELCOME: QC is for you – whether you're loud & proud LGBTQIA+, laying low with your identity/ies, or still figuring it all out, you'll be warmly welcomed. Because this space is about connection, not labels.rnrn>>> What does a session look like??rnEach session starts at 6:30pm and follows the same structure.rnrnThe first hour is planned and facilitated by Brendan, but how much you engage is up to you.rnrnBrendan will invite everyone to check-in at the start, to get a feel for where everyone is at, what people might want to do in this time together or need to feel comfortable in this space.rnAfter that, he will invite you to participate in some guided activities, but you don't have to if you don't want to – you can just carry on with your own creative task if that feels right.rnBrendan will be joined by co-hosts some weeks – other young LGBTQIA+ people who want to bring new creative and connective activities to the space. Think music, poetry, gaming, etc.rnBrendan will close the first hour with a check-out, to wrap up the guided time together.rnrnAfter that, it's fluid! You can choose to leave at 7:30pm or stick around for more chances to connect and create. Brendan will keep the space open until 8:30pm.
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Queer Connect (18-25's) – 22/4/2026
Moreook onto sessions on the Eventbrite Page! – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/queer-connect-with-rainbow-mind-tickets-1829088445779?aff=oddtdtcreatorrnrnJOIN US EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY @ 6:30PM FOR QUEER CONNECTrnAn online space for young LGBTQIA+ people (aged 18-25), hosted by creative therapist Brendan (he/they)rnrn>>> What is Queer Connect (QC)??rnCOMMUNITY BUILDING: QC is UK wide, online and intersectionally inclusive, so you can grow who you know.rnrnCREATIVE SELF-CARE: QC is a creative space, so B.Y.O. creative projects or hobbies, and/or take part in guided activities rooted in radical self-care, compassion and creative therapy.rnrnON YOUR TERMS: QC is an open invitation to show up as you are and take up space. There's zero pressure to talk and you can choose how you want to connect with yourself and others.rnrnALL VIBES WELCOME: QC is for you – whether you're loud & proud LGBTQIA+, laying low with your identity/ies, or still figuring it all out, you'll be warmly welcomed. Because this space is about connection, not labels.rnrn>>> What does a session look like??rnEach session starts at 6:30pm and follows the same structure.rnrnThe first hour is planned and facilitated by Brendan, but how much you engage is up to you.rnrnBrendan will invite everyone to check-in at the start, to get a feel for where everyone is at, what people might want to do in this time together or need to feel comfortable in this space.rnAfter that, he will invite you to participate in some guided activities, but you don't have to if you don't want to – you can just carry on with your own creative task if that feels right.rnBrendan will be joined by co-hosts some weeks – other young LGBTQIA+ people who want to bring new creative and connective activities to the space. Think music, poetry, gaming, etc.rnBrendan will close the first hour with a check-out, to wrap up the guided time together.rnrnAfter that, it's fluid! You can choose to leave at 7:30pm or stick around for more chances to connect and create. Brendan will keep the space open until 8:30pm.
View this course
Queer Connect (18-25's) – 8/4/2026
Moreook onto sessions on the Eventbrite Page! – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/queer-connect-with-rainbow-mind-tickets-1829088445779?aff=oddtdtcreatorrnrnJOIN US EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY @ 6:30PM FOR QUEER CONNECTrnAn online space for young LGBTQIA+ people (aged 18-25), hosted by creative therapist Brendan (he/they)rnrn>>> What is Queer Connect (QC)??rnCOMMUNITY BUILDING: QC is UK wide, online and intersectionally inclusive, so you can grow who you know.rnrnCREATIVE SELF-CARE: QC is a creative space, so B.Y.O. creative projects or hobbies, and/or take part in guided activities rooted in radical self-care, compassion and creative therapy.rnrnON YOUR TERMS: QC is an open invitation to show up as you are and take up space. There's zero pressure to talk and you can choose how you want to connect with yourself and others.rnrnALL VIBES WELCOME: QC is for you – whether you're loud & proud LGBTQIA+, laying low with your identity/ies, or still figuring it all out, you'll be warmly welcomed. Because this space is about connection, not labels.rnrn>>> What does a session look like??rnEach session starts at 6:30pm and follows the same structure.rnrnThe first hour is planned and facilitated by Brendan, but how much you engage is up to you.rnrnBrendan will invite everyone to check-in at the start, to get a feel for where everyone is at, what people might want to do in this time together or need to feel comfortable in this space.rnAfter that, he will invite you to participate in some guided activities, but you don't have to if you don't want to – you can just carry on with your own creative task if that feels right.rnBrendan will be joined by co-hosts some weeks – other young LGBTQIA+ people who want to bring new creative and connective activities to the space. Think music, poetry, gaming, etc.rnBrendan will close the first hour with a check-out, to wrap up the guided time together.rnrnAfter that, it's fluid! You can choose to leave at 7:30pm or stick around for more chances to connect and create. Brendan will keep the space open until 8:30pm.
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The Holding Space – Online Peer Support Group – 23/4/2026
Welcome to The Holding Space.rnrnThis is a gentle, non-judgmental space where you are free to show up exactly as you are — whether you feel strong, struggling, or somewhere in between.rnrnHere, we honour:rn🧠Lived experiencern🤝 Peer connectionrn🌱 Growth at your own pacern🧡 Emotional safetyrnrnYou don’t need to fix anything or be anything. Just being here is enough. This is a space to feel heard, supported, and gently held — by each other, and by the intention behind this space.rnrnYou’re not alone here. We hold this space together.
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City and Hackney wellbeing network is funded by City and Hackney local authority in combination with funds and grants raised by individual providers in the Wellbeing Network. The providers who deliver the services of the City and Hackney wellbeing Network are:
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about our services, referrals, and how to get involved.
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No, you don’t need a referral to access our drop in-groups. These are open, and designed to be accessible to everyone. Anyone who wants support built around their personal metal health goals is welcome to get involved by making a referral. You’ll find out on the same day whether you are eligible for support. Whether you’re looking for resources, group support, or just a sense of community, you can sign up directly without going through a health professional or service. If you have any questions about how to join or what’s involved, feel free to get in touch — we’re happy to guide you.
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You can come along to our open access events without a referral. To access more groups and specific support around your goals, you need to register. If you are eligible (you will be informed the same day), in due course someone will reach out for an initial conversation. Once you’ve had a conversation around your goals, you can sign up for a group waiting list directly through our website. Simply navigate to the page for the offering you’re interested in, and you’ll find a “Sign Up” or “Register” button. Clicking that will take you to a short registration form. Fill out your details and submit the form to complete your registration. Once you’re signed up, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the important information, including dates, times, and any materials you might need. If you run into any issues or have questions before signing up, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team — we’re here to help.
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If you’d like to speak to someone about getting support, we’re here to help. You can reach out to our team by email: [email protected], or through our website’s contact form—whatever feels most comfortable for you. Once you get in touch, a member of our team will talk with you about what kind of support you’re looking for and guide you through the options available. There’s no pressure and no need for a referral—just a friendly conversation to help you find what’s right for you. Don’t hesitate to connect with us. We’re here to listen and support you in a way that works for you.
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There is no cost to attend our Wellbeing Network sessions and activities—they’re completely free! We believe everyone should have access to mental health support without any financial barrier. Our programs are funded by the City and Hackney Local Authorities, partnerships and community grants, so all you need to do is sign up and show up. Whether you’re joining a workshop, group discussion, or guided activity, the goal is to create an inclusive, welcoming environment for all. If you’re wondering about anything specific—like materials, refreshments, or special events—just let us know. We’re here to ensure your participation is easy, enjoyable, and accessible!
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Sessions and drop-ins usually take place at our charity partner provider venues across the area or local wellbeing centres, libraries, or community halls. We aim to use welcoming, comfortable spaces that are easy to get to by public transport or car. Some sessions may also be held outdoors or online, depending on the activity and time of year. Each event listing will include the location details, so you’ll always know where to go. If you’re unsure about how to get there or have specific accessibility needs, just get in touch—we’re happy to help you plan your visit.