Join My Fair London, The Equality Trust and Toynbee Hall with Professor Richard Wilkinson to discuss his latest book The Inner Level, co-written with Professor Kate Pickett. The Inner Level explains how economic inequality impacts on each of us as individuals; how we think, feel and behave. Richard will discuss the psychological effects of material inequalities, in particular, the epidemic of mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.

Why is inequality and mental health a key issue for London?

We are heading into a mayoral election campaign with extreme inequality one of the most fundamental problems facing the capital:

• 50% of London's wealth is owned by just 10% of the population
• Poverty in London is not just confined to those out of work; 58% of those in poverty come from families where at least one person is in work
• Some Londoners can expect to live ten years longer than their neighbours just three miles away
• London's murder rate is at a ten-year high
• London's housing crisis remains intense illustrated by rising rates of homelessness, overcrowding and a chronic lack of affordable homes
• Young Londoners report increasing rates of anxiety and distress

Event details:

Richard will speak for half an hour, followed by plenty of time for questions and discussion. This evening will serve as an opportunity for Londoners to apply Richard's talk to the London context and the 2020 mayoral elections.

If you’re working or volunteering in politics or the third sector, if you’re part of a campaign group or if you are simply concerned about inequality in London and want to get involved in mobilising against this - make sure you don’t miss this event.

As usual for My Fair London events this meeting is free, but we will be asking for give-what-you-can donations on the night, towards the costs of the room at Toynbee Hall.

This an open event and we encourage people from different communities, political backgrounds and walks of life to attend. Inequality harms us all, only together can we stop it.