Today three of the UK’s leading mental health charities have announced that they are re-committing to a crucial partnership that will see them collaborate across fundraising, communications and policy influencing work to benefit millions.
Last year, Mind took 118,000 calls on its helplines, its information was accessed 21.4 million times and its local Minds across England and Wales supported 443,000 people.
Inspire supported 25,000 people through its services last year, at 67 sites across Ireland, and delivered 60,586 counselling sessions through its therapeutic services.
In the same year, SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) services also supported 25,000 people with their mental health and wellbeing, while its digital resources were downloaded almost 90,000 times.
The renewed partnership will see the three organisations work together on various projects across anti-stigma work, campaigning and influencing, welfare reform and policy development. They will also share research and insight, support each other as preferred fundraising partners, including sharing United Kingdom-wide partnership income, and signpost to each other’s services and resources.
The three organisations have already engaged in powerful partnership, working collaboratively to maximise moments like Time to Talk Day and a major partnership with the Co-Op, building community resilience.
Other areas the charities will collaborate on include:
- The prevention of mental health inequalities, including promoting the needs of people living in poverty
- Supporting and promoting the needs of young people, particularly young women, those who have experienced trauma, and other priority groups for suicide prevention
- Workplace wellbeing
- Early support for people experiencing mental health problems and building community resilience
- Promoting sport and physical activity
- Provision of quality assured mental health information
Responding to the announcement, Dr Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive of Mind, said:
“We’re in the midst of a mental health crisis so the work we do as mental health charities has never been more important, particularly among those hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. This is why I am so pleased to be re-committing to working so closely with SAMH and Inspire to fight for the UK’s mental health.
“At Mind, we have a bold strategy which centres those who are most likely to experience mental health problems and face barriers to accessing the right support. We know that to do this justice, we must work in partnership, which is why we committed to connect minds – bringing together people and organisations who want to join the fight for mental health. Working with SAMH and Inspire will play a crucial role in fulfilling this commitment.
“With the cost of living crisis, deepening health inequalities and increasing numbers of young people reaching crisis point, the UK has never needed us more to step up for their mental health and we know we will be stronger together.”
Billy Watson, Chief Executive of SAMH, said: “I am pleased to be recommitting to this important partnership with our friends Mind and Inspire. The pandemic, cost of living crisis and long-term structural problems in our mental health systems leaves us vulnerable to the very significant mental health challenges ahead, which is why SAMH’s We Won’t Wait strategy aims to help individuals and communities access the support they need, the first time they ask.
“We know it will take a collective effort to drive change. This renewed partnership combines the individual strengths of three of the country’s leading charities in a UK-wide platform, enhancing our impact to reach even more people through our services, and supply accessible, quality information on mental health and wellbeing to those who need it most.”
Kerry Anthony MBE, Chief Executive of Inspire, said: “When organisations with a common aim work together, we can achieve great things. That is why we are dedicated to this important partnership with Mind and SAMH. Together we can increase our opportunity to empower people to seek help, challenge stigma and discrimination and campaign with those living with mental ill-health.”
“We understand the challenges people are facing. The continual impact due to the rise in the cost-of-living, post-pandemic burn out and mental health services facing significant challenges due to a lack of resources and staff. This has an impact on individuals, communities and the wider society. Alongside our friends in Mind and SAMH, we are best placed to reach more people ensuring everyone has the opportunity to access mental health and wellbeing support, information and services.”