Two local entrepreneurs and mental health advocates are joining forces to host a groundbreaking mental health and wellbeing event in Leicester called ‘Beat the Odds’, which is designed to raise awareness of mental health and connect people with local support services and initiatives.
The free event is set to take place at Highcross Shopping Centre on 11th and 12th April, and promises to connect the community with local services, support networks, and activities aimed at promoting mental health awareness.
Picture: Sej Pancholi and Linzi Mayann
It is being run by Sej Pancholi, a mental health consultant and one-to-one coach, and Lindzi Mayann, a teacher at an alternative provision and ADHD coach.
Sej, of River Consultants, explained the vision behind the event: “Lindzi and I both run our own businesses, and we’ve experienced personal challenges ourselves. We wanted to create something positive for Leicester—an opportunity to bring people together, highlight the incredible support available, and foster a sense of community,” she said.
Lindzi Mayann, of Bus Different (A Different Human Design) adds a complementary perspective: “Our goal is to showcase initiatives that often don’t get the exposure they deserve. From mental health support to neurodiversity and wellbeing services, we want the public to see where they can go for advice, activities, or support.”
The event will span two floors of the former Topshop/Topman store in Highcross, featuring an interactive stage with speakers, children’s activities, and wellness-focused stalls. Visitors will be able to meet local organisations, including arts initiatives, outdoor activity providers, and knife crime prevention groups such as Ditch the Knife.
“Our exhibitors aren’t just here to display information,” Sej said. “We want everything to be interactive, engaging families and friends, and helping children develop social skills that often get lost in a screen-dominated world.”
The event will also host scheduled talks covering topics like men’s mental health, menopause, mindfulness, and personal stories of overcoming adversity. While most exhibitors are from Leicester and surrounding areas, the event will feature a few special guests from further afield, including Bupinder Sandu, known for walking from London to Cardiff to raise mental health awareness.
Sej emphasised the community-led aspect of the initiative: “This isn’t about making money for us. It’s about creating a supportive network where people know they have somewhere to turn. If someone needs help, we can signpost them to the right service. That’s the heart of this event.”
The organisers are also welcoming sponsors who want to support the cause and gain exposure through social media promotion and on-site branding.
This is the first time such an event is being hosted in a UK shopping centre, and Sej hopes it will set a precedent for other cities: “Once this blueprint is done, it could open doors for similar events across the UK. We hope Beat the Odds becomes a yearly legacy for Leicester.”
Beat the Odds runs on 11th and 12th April at Highcross Shopping Centre. The event is free and open to the public. For updates, exhibitor information, and event schedules, visit the River Consultants Facebook page or search #BeatTheOdds.
