Local Minds help more people than ever with their mental health
Mental health charity’s local association across England, Wales and the Channel Islands helped a record 623,361 people last year – an increase of 25%
New figures from leading charity Mind demonstrate that across the country there has been an alarming increase in those seeking mental health support. In the past 12 months, Minds local associations have seen a 25% rise in the numbers of people they are helping, compared to the previous year.
Photo by Nik Shuliahin
Mind – which was founded as the National Association for Mental Health (NAMH) in 1946 – provides advice and information to people living with mental health problems. On these people’s behalf, the charity also lobbies central and local government, and more generally it raises public awareness and understanding of issues relating to mental health.
In addition, a network of some 125 independent, affiliated local Mind associations spanning England, Wales and the Channel Islands offer bespoke mental health services to their communities. These local Minds are available to anyone, without the need for a GP referral. Each local Mind is governed by its own board of trustees and raises its own funds to provide services, which are often delivered on behalf of a local authority.
This means each local Mind offers a different service, tailored to its local community. But common provision includes advocacy, befriending services, counselling, crisis helplines, employment and training schemes, group therapy, and activities to promote well-being.
According to the latest figures from the charity, the network of local Minds helped a total of 623,361 people in the past 12 months, a year-on-year increase of 25%.
The charity also details some of what this help involved. For example, in Andover in Hampshire, a therapy garden created in liaison with the John Lewis Partnership enables those who may not have to access to open spaces to spend time in nature, which has shown proven to aid mental health and well-being.
In North Wales there is a singing group which anyone can join; studies show that singing can help to alleviate depression and anxiety, as well as boost feelings of well-being. And in Neath Port Talbot, a group has been established to offer specific, tailored support to people who are living with the long-term after-effects of stroke – the first group of its kind in the UK.
Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive of Mind, says: ‘Our incredible network of local Minds are embedded in communities, providing vital frontline support across England and Wales. And last year, local Minds provided mental health services to more people than ever. That’s an astonishing achievement.
‘We see this through their well-being services which help people stay well by boosting their mental and physical health. Through provision of therapy and counselling services, and sometimes urgent support when someone is reaching a mental health crisis. Some work together with doctors and GPs, so you could get referred to a local Mind for support for your mental health.
‘Every local Mind is different, but what they all have in common is a belief in the power of listening and being heard, giving people time to speak about their concerns, and helping people to find the right support. We’re proud to be part of the Mind federation and working together to make sure that no mind is left behind.’
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