Mental health charity warns of financial pressures

Northamptonshire Mind marked 60 years of operation in 2024

A mental health charity has raised concerns over the impact funding cuts and the rising cost of living has had on the organisation.

Northamptonshire Mind, which is marking its 60th year of supporting people with mental health challenges, said that the growing demand for its services has not been matched by the financial support it needs.

The charity operates across the county including in Northampton, Daventry, Corby, Rushden, Wellingborough, Towcester and Brackley.

Sarah Hillier, the charity's chief executive, said that despite perceptions the organisation relied on "grant funding and community fundraising", not extensive financial backing.

Over the years, the charity has tailored its services to meet the differing mental health needs of the community

The charity was founded following the 1963 Mental Health Project led by Dr Alex Gatherer, which sought to explore public attitudes toward mental health.

In January 1964, the charity pioneered a mental health course introducing the concept of "psychiatric first aid" - now known as mental health first aid - for organisations such as the British Red Cross and St John Ambulance.

This initiative led to the formation of the Northampton Association for Mental Health, which evolved into Northamptonshire Mind.

The charity provides a range of services, including peer support groups, wellbeing courses and counselling.

'Every penny helps'

Between April 2023 and March 2024, more than 6,400 people visited the charity's crisis cafes, and more than 102,000 calls were received by its mental health helpline.

Ms Hillier said: "Every penny [donated] really does help us change and save people’s lives.

“We want to finish our 60th anniversary year on a high, looking ahead to the next 60 years and we can only do that with the support of the Northamptonshire community.”

Northamptonshire Mind's 60th anniversary celebrations will begin on 17 September.