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 September
Discover our courses
3D Tunnel Book & Collage – 15/09/2026
Discover the joy of creating 3D tunnel books combining collage and simple bookbinding. nnYou'll learn how to build a layered tunnel book by designing and assembling a series of individual panels before completing it with a handmade cover. Using collage and a variety of materials, you'll create foregrounds, middle grounds and backgrounds that bring your book to life in three dimensions. Experiment with found images, textures and personal materials as you explore the expressive possibilities of collage in three dimensions. Suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some creative experience who would like to play, experiment and develop their artistic skills while creating a unique handmade artist's book.
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Japanese Sashiko Embroidery – 16/09/2026
This course introduces you to the beautiful art of Sashiko, a traditional Japanese embroidery technique created in 17th century Japan. nnBorn out of necessity, Sashiko has become a popular fashion trend in recent years and can be found in clothing and home decor. This ancient Japanese craft is easy to learn and uses only one type of stitch that can be easily mastered. What makes Sashiko special are the patterns that can be used and even combined. They feature repeating geometric shapes inspired by nature such as waves, mountains, bamboo, arrow or feathers. Made up of straight, curved and zigzag lines, the technique gives quick results and makes stunning textile pieces. Practicing Sashiko will connect you to a long history of craftsmanship, recycling, sustainability and heritage. Whether you're a complete beginner or already have some basic skills, you will learn to stitch beautiful patterns that you will have the opportunity to choose, mix and match. nnThe 8 weeks Sashiko course will foster your creativity, help promoting relaxation, mindfulness, and emotional wellbeing. This course is beginner friendly, open to everyone and inclusive of all materials
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Minding: A Meditation Journey – 17/09/2026
Minding is an award-winning 8-week meditation course designed to help you build a lasting mindfulness practice and find greater calm, clarity, and connection in daily life. Do you feel stressed or want to find calm in lifeu2019s chaos? Minding is an award-winning 8-week meditation course designed to help you build a lasting mindfulness practice and find greater calm, clarity, and connection in daily life. Each week we cover a different theme – from cultivating calm and building the meditation habit, to soothing stress and anxiety, softening the inner critic, building resilience and the vivid awareness practice. One of the hardest parts of meditation is making it a habit. This process is designed to help you bring mindfulness into your life u2014 in a way that will make it stick when the course is over.
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Letu2019s Craft u2013 Saatchi Gallery Series – 22/09/2026
These interactive workshops, delivered by a Saatchi Gallery facilitator, offer participants the chance to try a variety of creative techniques in a supportive and welcoming environment. Each session focuses on a different craft, helping attendees discover new materials, learn artistic skills, and express themselves through hands-on making.
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Upcoming open access events
Discover our eventsCity 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.