Appeal launched to raise £50,000 to tackle Leeds’ mental health emergency.
Prior to COVID-19, expert opinion told us that an estimated 25% of people would experience a form of mental health issue at some pointing their lives. However, a recent MIND survey put this now at 50%, with the figure in Yorkshire even higher.
Whilst the demand for MIND’s help has risen, the charity’s ability to fundraise has diminished. Events which help MIND to help others have had to be cancelled, with the resulting loss of many £1000’s of funding.
It’s hoped that the £50,000 can be raised to time with the start of the next financial year, the hope that Spring often brings and a fresh start towards a healthier and happier Leeds.
Helen Kemp, Chief Executive of Leeds Mind: “Leeds Mind has continued to fight for the mental health of everyone in our community in and around Leeds, alongside our fantastic partners and commissioners in the third sector and public sector, throughout the pandemic.
Back in March, we quickly adapted our services to deliver support remotely, and have developed new services specific to the challenges of Covid-19, for example, a Grief and Loss Helpline, as well as workshops and courses to help people cope, on themes such as ‘Coping with Isolation’ and ‘Managing my Anxiety.
Across Leeds and West Yorkshire (and indeed the world) we’ve seen an increase in social isolation and loneliness, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, depression, post-traumatic stress, and bereavement. Workplaces have struggled to continue operations, and employees have been suffering burnout and stress. All this means that demand for mental health support is going to continue increasing, and so Leeds Mind is needing to do more, with less.
It’s a huge amount of money we’re trying to raise at a time that has been difficult for so many, but we’re determined to be able to provide mental health support to more people at a time when they need us most.”
To learn more about the campaign and donate, please visit here.
Photographs provided by MIND.
