About Mind - The Mental Health Charity
Mental health problems can affect anyone, rich or poor, young or old, shattering the lives of those affected and the lives of the people close to them. One in four of us will experience a mental health problem at some point in our lives. Each year more than 250,000 people are admitted to psychiatric hospitals and over 4,000 people take their own lives.
Mind is the leading mental health charity in England and Wales working to create a better life for everyone with experience of mental distress.
We have over 60 years experience of tackling mental health issues.
We provide information and support, campaign to improve policy and attitudes and, in partnership with independent local Mind associations, develop local services. We fight for the rights of those that experience mental distress, challenging the stigma that surrounds it by giving a voice to those that otherwise might not be heard. We are service user focused.
Collectively we are the largest provider of community care services in England and Wales.
Our values
Informed. People with experience of mental distress drive all we do.
Diversity. We respect everyone's experience and ensure inclusion is at the heart of our work
Partnership. We are committed to working with our networks and all who will help us achieve our mission
Integrity. Our independence ensures our integrity - we are never compromised
Determined. We will never give up challenging discrimination and campaigning for better mental health.
Our history
The help that Mind can offer to people experiencing mental distress include:
Helpline - The MindinfoLine is a lifeline where people can get confidential help and information on a range of mental health issues and also find out where to seek further help in their local area. Mind also offers a Legal Advice Line providing a special legal service to the public, lawyers and mental health workers.
Local Mind network - Our 210 local Mind associations throughout England and Wales are the largest independent supplier of mental health services in the country. They offer supported housing, crisis helplines, drop-in centres, counselling, befriending, advocacy, employment and training schemes, and other services.
Publications - Mind produces a wide range of publications (including fact-sheets, booklets, books) covering anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and other mental health problems, and a promoting ways of coping and strategies for living. Over 100 Mind publications are available.
An extensive programme of conferences, seminars and training is organised every year.
Campaigns - Mind Campaigns helps improve the lives of people with mental health problems, working for better services, legal rights, and for a more accepting attitude among employers. We advise the Government, health and local authorities and the public on best practice, services and developments in mental health community care. We seek to empower those who use mental health services, making sure that those directly affected have their voices heard.
Networks - Diverse Minds is designed to make mental health services more responsive to the needs of minority ethnic communities; and Rural Minds aims to improve mental health for people in isolated rural areas. Over 1,900 people belong to Mind Link - the network for users of mental health services – offering each other support, sharing experiences and developing skills.