Bath Mind Charity Bio

Bath Mind are a local and independent mental health charity, operating in Bath and North East Somerset. They are here to promote and nurture everyone’s mental health through the provision of information, activities, advice and support. Although they are affiliated with the national Mind charity, they receive no direct funding from the national body and they have to rely on their own fundraising efforts and governance.

 Throughout the pandemic, Bath Mind have been fighting an epidemic of mental ill-health.  This epidemic knows no boundaries; they have supported people aged 16 to 94 suffering anxiety, depression, loneliness and bereavement, some feeling suicidal, as well as those with more complex mental health diagnosis. They have promoted our services widely in press, social media and through local organisations, ensuring people know they can turn to the organisation for support.

They have creatively adapted, rising to every challenge. Unable to operate as usual, their Food for Thought staff delivered nearly a tonne of food to individuals, food banks and community hubs to support local people in desperate need. Their face-to-face community groups moved online, ensuring that no one was left isolated or lonely during multiple lockdowns and restrictions.

 Their crisis line, Breathing Space, helps prevent people calling on NHS services or attending A&E. Their services reduce pressure on the NHS and emergency services, freeing up capacity and saving costs of treatments and hospitalisations. They have worked with local GPs, contacting patients who have been unable to get through, helping reduce the pressure on GP surgeries. One individual said this about their experience calling the crisis line: 

“I’m not ashamed to admit last night the floodgates opened and I couldn’t stop the tears, I honestly just wanted to be gone… I spoke to a wonderful woman who talked to me about what is happening in my life, and what I’ve been through and she stayed with me until I calmed down. I’m sharing this because there’s a huge rise in suicide and mental illness, so please just talk to someone because there are people out there who can help.”

They work tirelessly to support everyone in their community, collaborating wherever possible with other local organisations, and will continue to fight so that everyone who needs help has access to it. Everybody has mental health and everyone is affected by it - whether directly or via a friend, family member or colleague.  No image can convey mental health. We all know someone who is suffering. Many are afraid to speak out, or unsure of how to get help.  The past year has made everyone more aware of the importance of taking care of ourselves, and others.  Bath Mind’s dedicated, caring team is passionate about tackling mental health stigma, so that everyone feels able to seek help, and can be supported on their own personal journey to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

A vote for Bath Mind is a vote for good mental health for all. For More information on their work and to donate, please visit https://www.bathmind.org.uk/