Together, we’re creating spaces where everyone feels they belong.
Mindful Space is a Kingston Giving initiative being co-created with young people and local partners.
Together we’re creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, supported, and connected.
Follow Our Journey…
The story so far…
💬 March 2025 -Listening to Kingston
Our What Kingston Thinks research, funded by the City Bridge Foundation, revealed that mental health and connection are top local priorities. These insights laid the foundations for everything that followed.
🤝 August 2025 - Co-creation begins
A Task & Finish Group was formed to guide the next stage.
We brought together local charities and community partners to explore how we can make mental health support more accessible in Kingston.
🏙️ 2025–26 – Designing Mindful Spaces
Working with venues, young leaders, and mental health partners, we’re now testing practical ideas: flexible quiet zones, staff awareness training, alcohol-free options, and small changes that make a big difference.
💡 August 2025 - Turning Insight into Action
An early outcome of our research, we created Small Questions, Big Impact - simple, practical tools co-designed with local people to spark everyday conversations about wellbeing. These resources help residents check in with themselves and others, building small moments of connection that matter.
🚀 2026 – Launch & Rollout
The first Mindful Space venues will open across Kingston - real spaces co-created by young people, offering everyone a place to pause, connect, and belong.
Connected through London Funders
As part of London Funders, Kingston Giving taps into a vibrant network of local funders, charities, and community leaders - bringing people together to make a real difference in Kingston.
Why Mindful Space Matters
“We’re listening - and together, we’ll create spaces where everyone has a space to belong.”
🚨 Self-harm among young people is rising - and Kingston has some of the longest wait times for mental health support.
💬 39% of Kingston residents say their wellbeing is ‘not going well’ - a reminder that connection and belonging matter more than ever.
🔍 On Connected Kingston, top searches include “how to socialise,” “where to socialise,” and “how to make friends.”
People are actively seeking connection.
💛 Young people told us they want “support in real spaces, not clinical ones” - spaces where they can simply belong.
💡 Shaping Spaces through Local Consultations
Kingston Giving is consulting with leading local mental health charities, including Mind in Kingston, to ensure our Mindful Spaces initiative reflects the insights and experiences of the people who use their services.
Through ongoing conversations with staff and participants, we’re shaping practical, welcoming spaces that truly support wellbeing in our community. Plus consulting with local Stakeholders and the businesses that are keen to be a part of Mindful Space.
Get involved…
Residents and venues can get involved, share ideas or explore becoming a Mindful Space venue. Contact Hicky, our CEO, via hicky@kingstongiving.org.uk to learn more.
“Everyone has a role in shaping spaces that truly support mental wellbeing. Whether you’re a resident or a venue, your ideas can help make Kingston a place where everyone feels at home.”
- Hicky, CEO of Kingston Giving
🗣️ How to Start a Conversation About Mental Health
Advice for residents, friends, and colleagues on opening safe, supportive conversations without feeling awkward.
👀 Spotting Warning Signals of Mental Health Struggles
Guidance for everyone on recognising subtle cues and knowing how to respond supportively.
🌿 Making Everyday Spaces Support Mental Wellbeing
Tips for venues, pubs, and community spaces to become more welcoming, inclusive, and supportive for all.
Where to find support
Connected Kingston has brought together a wide range of mental health support services to make it easier for you to find the right help, right when you need it.
Find everything from local organisations to national helplines. Use the quick links below to skip to the contact details you need.
Other resources…
Tellmi is a safe, inclusive digital community that supports young people’s mental health through anonymous, pre-moderated peer support, counsellor intervention in crises, and 1-2-1 solution-focused therapy. Available 24/7 with no referrals or waiting, it also provides a directory of specialist local and national resources.
Youth Out Loud! (YOL!) is a group of young people aged 13–17 from Kingston and Richmond working with Healthwatch Kingston to improve local health and care services for young people. They amplify youth voices through films, surveys, service visits, and creative projects - making sure services are inclusive, accessible, and shaped by the people who use them.
Kooth is a free, safe, and anonymous online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people. It provides access to trained counsellors, peer-to-peer forums, journalling tools, and wellbeing activities - all available anytime, without referrals or waiting lists. Kooth helps young people express themselves, connect with others, and build positive mental health habits in a supportive, judgment-free space.
The Waiting Room is a trusted online hub from the Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation Trust, offering over 500 verified wellbeing resources across London. It helps children, young people, families, and professionals find tailored support - from mental health and sleep advice to creative therapies and training. It also includes a dedicated Autism and ADHD Support section for North Central London.
🧠 Mind in Kingston
Local mental health support for everyone.
Mind in Kingston provides a wide range of wellbeing activities, courses, and peer support groups to help local people connect, build resilience, and improve mental health. From creative sessions to mindfulness and practical advice, there’s something for everyone.
🚨 Crisis Support
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available now.
Mind in Kingston’s Crisis Support page brings together clear, trusted information and contacts to help you find urgent mental health support - including helplines, NHS services, and local emergency options. It’s a one-stop hub for getting help when it’s most needed.