Following from Mental Health Awareness Week, UOK hosted a Mental Health talk around the theme of Community at the Brighthelm Centre in the heart of Brighton. The event brought together community members, mental health professionals, and advocates for a unique conversation about vulnerability, connection, and the ripple effect of small acts of kindness. We extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
“Working in mental health for 25 years now, I am very touched by the personal stories of people, and it’s a privilege to be hosting this community event,” said Neil Blanchard, CEO of Southdown. “That’s what this evening is really about,” said Brooke Joyce, Head of Partnerships in Brighton and Hove, echoing this sentiment in her opening remarks. “Connection, community, and the power of lived experience.”
Daniel, a multi-award-winning speaker, TEDx guest, and finalist on Channel 4’s The Piano, delivered a powerful talk that was moving, unexpected, and deeply personal. He shared stories from his life that touched on trauma, healing, and what it means to show up for others even when you’re still learning how to show up for yourself. It wasn’t polished or performative — it was real. And that’s what made it powerful. With honesty and just the right amount of humour, he helped us reflect on early experiences many of us carry but rarely name. He reminded us that unspoken feelings can become trauma, and that asking for support is not just brave — it’s essential.
The Power of Service
At the heart of the evening was Daniel’s message: service isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about showing up — for ourselves, and for each other. Whether through a kind word, volunteering time, or listening without judgment, each act has the potential to ripple outward.
As attendees beautifully shared:
“One thing that really stayed with me was Daniel’s message about the transformative nature of service — how acts of care, even small ones, ripple out in ways we often don’t realise. It was a powerful reminder of the strength found in community and connection. Thank you for your commitment to mental health and for creating spaces like this.”
“This is just what I needed — to hear about mental health without the jargon.”
We are grateful for everyone that came and look forward to creating more such spaces together in the future.
Looking Ahead
The event came just after Mental Health Awareness Week, where UOK celebrated the theme of community. In a world where many feel increasingly isolated, evenings like these are a reminder that connection is always possible — and that we all have something to give.
Read everything we did for Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 here
Keep an eye on our social channels over the next few days for short videos and highlights from the talk. Feel free to share them with anyone who couldn’t attend — we hope you’ll help us pass the message of goodness forward.
Facebook: UOKBrighton Hove / LinkedIn: UOK Mental Health Support / Instagram: @uokbrightonhove
About UOK
UOK is a partnership of 20 local organisations working together to support mental health and wellbeing in Brighton, Hove, and East Sussex. Whether someone is looking for group workshops, support with finances, bereavement help, or simply someone to talk to, UOK aims to provide clear pathways and compassionate signposting.
Services are free and designed to help people feel more independent, resilient, and hopeful. To make things easier, UOK has a Central Access Point — a phone line and email hub that helps people get to the right service, at the right time.
