Iconic London Black Cabs Become Moving Messages of Hope This Blue Monday – On 19 January 2026, widely recognised as Blue Monday and often considered one of the most challenging days of the year for mental wellbeing, iconic London black cabs will take to the streets carrying powerful messages of hope. UK mental health and suicide prevention charity Beder is launching a landmark public awareness campaign across Central London, transforming ten black cabs into moving works of art designed by leading artists and illustrators from around the world.
Each cab has been uniquely wrapped to promote Beder Therapy Vouchers, an innovative initiative offering free access to therapy for adults aged 18+ across the UK. The campaign runs from January to April 2026, ensuring these messages of encouragement reach people in everyday moments — on busy streets, at traffic lights, on bridges and during chance encounters across the city.
As someone who has personally witnessed the impact of mental ill health within my own family, this campaign resonates deeply. When you have seen loved ones struggle, you understand just how isolating and overwhelming those moments can feel. Knowing that there are now more visible, accessible places to turn to when someone is at their most vulnerable feels incredibly positive. Campaigns like this don’t just raise awareness — they quietly remind people that help exists, and that they are not alone.
Through a collaboration with leading therapy platform Meela, Beder Therapy Vouchers provide recipients with up to six 50-minute therapy sessions, delivered either online or in person. Individuals can apply via a short application form on the Beder website (www.beder.org.uk). Applications are reviewed by an independent psychologist, and successful applicants are carefully matched with a therapist via Meela’s platform to ensure a strong therapeutic fit from the outset — often accessing support within days rather than waiting weeks or months on NHS lists.
The campaign reflects Beder’s gentle, inclusive approach to mental health awareness — normalising conversations around therapy and wellbeing by placing them directly into the flow of daily life. Each cab features a QR code, allowing passengers and passersby to learn more about Beder Therapy Vouchers, apply for support themselves, or share the resource with a friend, colleague or loved one. Because everyone deserves someone to talk to.
With one in four people experiencing a mental health problem each year and NHS therapy waiting lists continuing to grow, Beder’s provision of early-stage, free access to therapy offers vital and timely support at a moment when it can make a real difference.
The artists involved in the campaign come from different countries and creative backgrounds, bringing a rich mix of bold illustration, delicate line work and optimistic colour palettes. Together, the taxis form a moving public exhibition centred on hope, wellbeing and connection — unified by the belief that mental health support should be accessible to all.
“We want to turn these iconic London black cabs into canvases for hope,” says Razzak Mirjan, Founder of Beder. “By collaborating with incredible artists from around the world, each taxi becomes its own message of encouragement. Even a brief moment at a traffic light can spark reflection, connection or the courage to consider therapy.”
Artists taking part in the campaign include:
- Worry Wellbeing (x2)
- Ollies Doodles
- Mat Voyce
- Maddison @ Good Girl Vibe Gang
- Violet Poppy Design
- Dirty Bandits
- Rachel Joy Lettering
- Tozer Signs
- Beder’s own designed taxi
The transformation of ten iconic London black cabs into art-led mental health messages marks one of Beder’s boldest public campaigns to date. Members of the public are encouraged to spot the taxis across London, photograph them and share them on social media to help spread awareness of Beder Therapy Vouchers and the importance of accessible mental health support.
Poppy Watt