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World Mental Health Day 2025

Published on 09 October 2025 03:17 PM

Today we celebrate World Mental Health day with a spotlight on building connections and ways to seek help. 

The latest statistics on loneliness amongst older people remain shockingly high. The Centre for Ageing Better’s 2025 State of Aging report shows 1 in 12 older people report often being lonely. Age UK’s research has found enduring loneliness to be weighted heavily towards groups of people including those on lower incomes. 

In East London, where pensioner poverty rates reach up to 44%, loneliness is not just a feeling - it’s a serious health inequality. Many older people live alone, on low incomes, and face barriers to accessing services and community spaces. Research shows that loneliness increases the risk of poor physical and mental health, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and cognitive decline. The impact is compounded by financial hardship, housing insecurity, and limited mobility. Life transitions such as bereavement, retirement, or becoming a carer often leave older people isolated just when they need support most.  

Ready to make a difference? Befriending has the power to transform the lives of older people. When you join as a befriender you’ll be giving your time, once a week to get to know an older person who needs your support. 

"The best thing about volunteering as a befriender is knowing that I am making a positive impact on someone's life and feeling fulfilled and connected with the person I visit." Penny, Befriending Volunteer. 

You can choose to befriend by phone or with homevisiting for 6 months or more. Our friendly team will give you all the necessary training and support to make your volunteering rewarding and purposeful. 

Apply today 

 If you are struggling and need help in East London, we urge you to seek help:  

  • Talk to someone, tell a friend, family member or someone you trust how you are feeling. 
  • Speak to your GP.  
  • If you are known to a mental health team and it is Monday–Friday 9am–5pm please call that team on the usual number for support and advice. 
  • If you are not known to services and/ or it is out of hours call NHS 111 and select 'Option 2' in east London. This is a freephone number that provides urgent mental health advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to people of all ages. 

Check the ELFT for the latest information on accessing urgent support (information below correct on October 2025):  

  • For East London residents: 

This is a free, confidential service for residents. Trained professionals help to identify troubling thoughts through tailored sessions with those looking to improve their mental health. 

  • City & Hackney – Self-referral form or huh-tr.talkingtherapy@nhs.net 
  • Newham – Self-referral form or 0208 175 1770 

Immediate help can be provided for those in crisis or distress via walk-in services across our east London boroughs. This is a safe, supportive place for those who feel they are struggling and/or not coping. 

The Raybould Centre, City and Hackney Centre for Mental Health, London, E9 6SR 

Monday – Friday: 6pm-9pm, Saturday and Sunday: 12pm-4pm 

elft.crisiscafe2@nhs.net or 07393 762 366 

Stratford Advice Arcade, 107-109 The Grove, London, E15 1HP 

Monday – Thursday: 5-9pm, Friday – Sunday: 3-9pm 

togethercafe@mindthnr.org.uk or 07511 075 701 

86 Old Montague Street, Whitechapel, London, E1 5NN 

Monday – Friday: 5-9pm, Saturday and Sunday: 12-9pm 

  • Th.togethercafe@nhs.net or 0808 196 2103 

 

  • Recovery College 

Those with lived experiences of mental health conditions run free educational workshops and courses to promote wellbeing and support people along their recovery. 

  • City & Hackney – Registration form, 0208 525 4480 or 07789 716 362 
  • Newham – elft.newhamrecoverycollege@nhs.net or 07823 900 600