Explore the history of mental health care in Portsmouth with this new Heritage project.

Uncovering the social history of mental health care in Portsmouth and the surrounding area during the Great War 1914-18, funded by Heritage Lottery and delivered by the Good Mental Health Cooperative.

We started this research project in 2020 with a group of volunteers who all had their own individual connections to the Portsmouth area and a varied interest into the history of local mental health care. The stories uncovered are about patients, hospital staff, the differences between private and pauper treatment and the changing attitudes towards mental health care during WW1. We also researched pivotal moments such as when Portsmouth Mental Hospital was requisitioned by the American Armed Forces and how this impacted patients and the wider community. With this project, the Good Mental Health Cooperative and volunteer research group hoped to explore the stories of mental anguish suffered by so many men and women during the Great War and the wide reaching psychological effects of living through such a challenging time in history.

Explore our Online Research Exhibition!

Discover the history, stories and research archives in our innovative Online Research Exhibition

Uncovering stories from the Borough of Portsmouth Mental Hospital & researching the impact of World War 1 on mental health care 1914-18.

Inspired Art, Creative Storytelling, Stories Come to Life in our showcase Coming Soon

Access to our heritage webinars

Register for our Heritage Webinars

Funded by

Heritage Lottery Fund

Mental Wealth Academy

The Good Mental Health Cooperative

The Good Mental Health Cooperative supports people to access community based activities and workshops which help with inclusion, recovery and good mental health. The support is intended for people who have experienced serious life challenges, are socially isolated, anxious or lacking in confidence. This may include experience of mental ill-health, addictions, disability, bereavement, caring responsibilities for example. At the Good Mental Health Cooperative, we believe that connecting with others, and informal learning opportunities, are really important steps to good mental health, bringing a sense of inclusion and challenge, rather than feeling isolated and lacking in purpose. www.goodmentalhealth.org.uk

Other Items Of Interest

Your purchase helps us to put on more support

Physical items are UK P&P only and can take up to 2 weeks delivery

Online Courses

Join the Community