Donate to our Winter Appeal
Mental health is now the UK’s top health concern, overtaking even cancer worries. Over a million people are waiting for NHS care. How many more people must reach breaking point before they get the support they desperately need?
The demand for mental health services has never been greater. In 2023 alone, West Central London Mind supported over 22,000 individuals. However, the growing need in our communities has stretched resources to their limits. To continue making a difference, we urgently need your help.
As a Local Mind charity, our mission is to support the mental wellbeing of people in Brent, Kensington & Chelsea, Wandsworth, Westminster, and beyond. But we can’t do it alone. That’s why we’re calling on our community to back our Winter Appeal. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier future for everyone.
Mary’s Story: A Lifeline in the Darkest Hour
In 2021, Mary’s life was turned upside down when she lost her daughter, Ellie, to suicide after Ellie’s long battle with intense psychosis. Stricken by overwhelming grief, Mary found herself barely able to cope. When she sought help, she was told she would need to wait six weeks for support.
Fortunately, Mary connected with our Suicide Bereavement Service, which offered her immediate and compassionate care. She formed a deep bond with her Bereavement Officer, who became a pillar of support during her darkest days. Mary said:
They made me feel safe in an uncertain world. I realised I had someone on my side, looking out for me when it felt like an atomic bomb had gone off.
Mary credits West Central London Mind’s support with saving her life. Every suicide impacts up to 135 people, and those bereaved by suicide are 65% more likely to attempt suicide themselves. With your help, we can continue providing a vital lifeline to individuals like Mary, ensuring no one has to face such pain alone.
Help Us Make a Difference
Now, more than ever, we need your support to ensure that nobody in our communities faces mental health challenges alone. By donating to our Winter Appeal, you can make a tangible difference in someone’s life:
- £15 can connect someone feeling suicidal with our community programmes, offering hope and support.
- £25 can provide access to life-changing initiatives like our Green Minds project, which promotes wellbeing through nature.
- £50 helps combat loneliness by funding befriending support for three people, fostering social connection and improving quality of life.
Why Your Support Matters Now
Shorter days and colder nights often heighten feelings of isolation and anxiety. Combined with the emotional challenges of the holiday season—coping with grief, navigating family dynamics, and managing expectations—winter is an especially difficult time for many.
Through our Winter Appeal, we aim to raise critical funds and awareness for our services, which serve as a lifeline for those in need. Together, we can provide hope, support, and a brighter future for our community.
Donate Today
Join us in our mission to ensure that no one faces mental health challenges alone. Every contribution brings us closer to building a community where everyone has the support they need.
Posted on: 2nd January 2025