This month marks 10 years since MindWell first launched as Leeds’ mental health information website for adults.
So far in 2026, more than 73,000 people have accessed the website, with an average of 8,500 people using MindWell each month.
MindWell brings together trusted mental health information, practical self-help advice and details of support available across Leeds. Alongside NHS and other public services, it helps people discover the many charities, community groups and grassroots organisations working across the city, offering everything from peer support and practical advice to activities and opportunities to connect with others.
Mental health services in Leeds have changed considerably since the website launched, as have the ways people look for information and support. MindWell has evolved too, working with local services, professionals and people with lived experience to keep its information relevant, accessible and up to date.
Throughout these changes, our purpose has remained the same: to help people understand their mental health, explore their options and find support that’s right for them.
What people say about MindWell
“It’s so helpful for me in my role as it has everything clearly in one place and is regularly updated. Without MindWell I would struggle to keep up to date with services in Leeds and know what’s out there.”
— Leeds professional
“MindWell has helped me understand my issues better, put them into perspective and find the right help when needed. It also reminds me how I can be kinder to myself when I feel I might be slipping back into depression.”
— Anonymous MindWell user
“I share MindWell with people because it’s user friendly, accessible in its language and a central repository we should all go to.”
— Karen Fenton, Head of Community Health Development, Touchstone
Gemma Johnson, Programme Lead for MindWell, said:
“Ten years is a really significant milestone for MindWell. So much has changed in that time, both in how mental health support is delivered and how people look for help, but the reason MindWell exists is still very much the same.
“When you’re already struggling, trying to make sense of the different services and work out where to turn can feel overwhelming. And for professionals and community organisations supporting others, keeping up with changes to local services isn’t always easy either.
“MindWell is what it is today because of the work of many people over the past 10 years. I’m hugely grateful to everyone who has helped shape it, including former MindWell colleagues, our previous delivery partner Thrive by Design, and the many people and organisations across Leeds who have shared their expertise, experience and time.”
Pip Goff, Director at Forum Central, said:
“Leeds has an incredible network of charities, community groups and grassroots organisations supporting people’s mental health, alongside our NHS and other public services. For 10 years, MindWell has helped people make sense of what’s available, bringing together trusted information and support from across the city in one place. It’s a great example of what can be achieved through partnership working.
“As the NHS looks to bring care closer to home and put greater emphasis on neighbourhoods and prevention, there’s a real opportunity to build on the brilliant work already happening across Leeds, particularly within our voluntary and community sector.
“And as services evolve and new ways of delivering care emerge, people need more than information – they need to understand their options and find support that’s right for them. That’s where MindWell’s deep knowledge of Leeds, its communities and its mental health services really comes into its own.”
Knowing where to turn
MindWell’s anniversary comes as organisations across Leeds are supporting #WhereToTurnLeeds – a citywide campaign helping people understand the different places they can start when they need mental health information or support.
There are many different kinds of support available across Leeds. Depending on what someone needs, that could include trusted self-help information, community support and activities, talking therapies, specialist services or urgent help.
MindWell brings information about these options together in one place and can help people find a next step.