Major grants gifted to MIND

Tuesday 16 May 2023

Guernsey MIND has been given £350,000 - through three separate grants over two years - to help fund its core services supporting positive attitudes towards mental health.

The charity helped thousands of people last year, with 400 people receiving one-to-one support, 1,200 people attending at least one of the charity’s training sessions, and more than 150 being trained as Mental Health First Aiders.

That work will be continued through a £200,000 contribution from the Social Investment Fund, a £50,000 donation from the Lloyds Bank Foundation, and a £100,000 gift from a private charitable trust through the Guernsey Community Foundation.

Guernsey MIND’s Chief Executive Jo Cottell said together, the £350,000 will cover half of the charity's running costs over two years.

Pictured: The Lloyds Bank Foundation makes numerous donations every year.

“We are thrilled to receive these extremely generous grants. This will help us to continue our work supporting the people of the Bailiwick through our one-to-one services, workplace training and support, and our work in the community. The commitment each of these funders have made to supporting us and our colleagues in the wider third sector is greatly appreciated. 

“Our vision is of a society that has a positive attitude towards mental health and is supportive of mental wellbeing for all. In addition to helping people on an individual level, one of our aims is to promote positive mental health to raise awareness and enable access to a range of services for everyone who needs them. 

“One of the biggest barriers for people seeking help for poor mental health is stigma. Through our awareness-raising campaigns and our training programmes, we seek to dispel stigma and educate the whole community about the importance of looking after our mental health. We believe that early, proactive help and support can lead to much more positive outcomes for us all.”

Pictured: The States agreed to back the Social Investment Fund in 2018, with it coming to fruition during the covid crisis of 2020.

The Social Investment Fund (SIF) was set up in 2020 to invest funds received from public and private sources in to the third sector within the Bailiwick.

Sadie Siviter de Paucar, Lead Officer of the Social Investment Fund, said it's helping to improve joint working between the government and the third sector. 

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands and Guernsey Community Foundation so that together we can provide increased funding for mental health services. Securing multi-year funding for key frontline charities such as Guernsey MIND is crucial and will allow their services to be strengthened in the knowledge that their main core costs are covered."

Jo Le Poidevin, Executive Director for Lloyds Bank Foundation Channel Islands, said it gives gives grants to charities helping disadvantaged people play a fuller role in the community. That means Guernsey Mind was a perfect candidate for a donation from the Foundation.

“Guernsey MIND is a crucial pillar in the Bailiwick’s communities. Its work plays a vital role in the wellbeing and safety of so many across Guernsey and Alderney. With more than 1,500 people supported by Guernsey MIND in 2022, it’s clear just how important the charity is for Islanders."

Pictured: The Guernsey Community Foundation links private donors with third sector needs.

“From individuals to businesses, it equips everyone with the tools and skills they need to look after themselves and one another, while also working hard to break down the stigma that is still unfortunately linked with mental health. We are very proud to be supporting MIND for the next two years with this grant.”

The Guernsey Community Foundation promotes effective philanthropy. Chief Executive Jim Roberts said this latest donation follows previous grants the GCF has made to Guernsey MIND.

“After carefully considering the funding application from Guernsey MIND, the Foundation was happy to approach a private charitable trust and recommend payment. We have given grants to MIND in the past and continue to be impressed by the way it helps so many people in Guernsey and Alderney in particular.”