For Mental Health Awareness Week, Brent Health Matters stepped into the community and set up at Willesden Green Library. It’s part of a wider shift in how we work – instead of expecting people to come to services, the team are bringing care into the neighbourhoods where people already spend their time.

This reflects what local communities have been telling us. They want to see the NHS in familiar places like libraries, churches and local events. It’s about moving beyond hospitals and clinics and making support feel easier to access and more part of everyday life.

It also links to our growing focus on neighbourhood health - an approach that connects GP services, mental health support and community care in local spaces.

This year’s theme, action, is all about taking practical steps to improve mental wellbeing – for yourself, for others, and for our communities. It’s a shift away from just raising awareness, recognising that while awareness matters, real change comes from what we do.

Throughout the day residents stopped by, many of whom might not otherwise have engaged with health services - some drawn in by curiosity, others by word of mouth.

Raf, a lifelong Brent resident who has been supported by local mental health services, shared how practical support - like being helped to apply for a Freedom Pass - has made a real difference.

“Transport can be expensive, and it made it hard to get out,” he said. “Having that support helped me be more part of things again.”

Others, like Salvatore from Willesden, came across the event by chance and took the opportunity to speak to employment advisors and mental health teams in one place - something that would usually mean multiple appointments in different locations.

Public health colleagues from the local council even got the whole room moving, leading gentle stretching and exercise sessions.

Sylvia Njuguna, a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist working with Brent Talking Therapies, was there alongside Community Connector, Ramotalahi Sofola. They’ve also been out and about across Brent during the week, visiting colleges and community spaces to reach as many people as possible.

A real highlight was the relaxation station - a sensory-friendly space shaped by feedback from residents, with soft lighting, calming smells and a focus on connecting mind and body.

“We’ve had people tell us they’re struggling with sleep,” one team member shared. “So we’ve introduced things like sleep hygiene techniques. One person saw it here and has already gone out to buy a diffuser to help them at home.”