Broad Street Mall is marking Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 with a community-focused event designed to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage open conversations around mental wellbeing.
This week, Broad Street Mall is hosting an event aiming to bring together a range of local organisations including Compass Recovery College, Project Salama, The RACE Project, RMG Therapy, Reading Men’s Walking and Talking Group.
It will create a welcoming space where visitors can learn more about support available in the area and connect with local services.
Broad Street Mall is also proudly supporting Every Little Thing Festival, a mental health and suicide prevention initiative created in memory of Diva Gibson.
Founder Sinead Gibson will be attending on the day to continue raising awareness and sharing the festival’s message of hope and support.
Visitors can also enjoy appearances from Broad Street Mall mascot Topsy, who will be handing out sweets, hugs, and photo opportunities throughout the day.
The event will feature live entertainment, including performances from The Blagabond and Robert Steven Hunt, highlighting the positive impact music can have on mental health and emotional wellbeing.
There will also be a special live session from Theatretrain Reading, who will host a Zumba class.
Visitors are encouraged to come along, meet the team, and get moving for their mental health.
Broad Street Mall says the event forms part of its ongoing commitment as a community hub in the heart of Reading, supporting wellbeing and bringing people together in positive and meaningful ways.
Steven Connolly, Centre Manager at Broad Street Mall, said: “Mental health awareness is incredibly important to us, and this event is about creating a space where people feel welcome, supported, and able to talk openly.
“We’re proud to bring together local organisations and entertainers to highlight the importance of community, connection, and wellbeing.”
The event is taking place at Broad Street Mall on Saturday May 16, from 11am-3pm,.
Full details available via: broadstreetmall.com
