Mental Health Foundation
{{Short description|British charitable organisation}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2019}}
{{Primary sources|date=July 2020}}
{{Infobox organization
| name = Mental Health Foundation
| image = MHF-logo24.png
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| status = Charity
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| headquarters = Studio 2
197 Long Lane
London
SE1 4PD{{cite web|url=https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/about-us/contact-us|title=Contact us|date=30 September 2022}}
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| region_served = United Kingdom
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| leader_title = Chief Executive
| leader_name = Mark Rowland{{cite web|url=https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/about-us/people/mark-rowland|title=Mark Rowland, Chief Executive|publisher=mentalhealth.org.uk|date= 12 January 2016|accessdate=2019-03-09}}
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| website = {{URL|http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk}}
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The Mental Health Foundation is a UK-based charity dedicated to promoting good mental health and addressing mental health issues. Founded in 1949, the foundation aims to help people understand, protect, and sustain their mental health through prevention, research, community programs, and advocacy. The organisation is known for its annual Mental Health Awareness Week, which raises awareness and promotes action on mental health issues across the UK. By focusing on the root causes of mental health problems and advocating for policy changes, the Mental Health Foundation plays a significant role in improving mental wellbeing and reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues.{{cite web|url=https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/about-us/who-we-are|title=Who We Are and What We Do|date=30 November 2015}}
History
The Mental Health Foundation was founded in 1949, as the Mental Health Research Fund, by Derek Richter, a neurochemist and director of research at Whitchurch Hospital. Richter enlisted the help of stockbroker Ian Henderson, who became the chair, while Victoria Cross recipient Geoffrey Vickers became chair of the research committee.
In 1972, the Mental Health Foundation took its current name, shifting its "focus away from laboratory research and towards working directly with—and learning from—people [who] experience mental health problems."
Mental Health Awareness Week
Each year, for a week in May, the Mental Health Foundation leads Mental Health Awareness Week.
Mental Health Awareness Week was first held in 2001, and became one of the biggest mental health awareness events in the world.{{cite web|url=https://fabukmagazine.com/mental-health-awareness-week-2019/|title=Mental Health Awareness Week 2019|publisher=fabukmagazine.com|date=2018-12-20|accessdate=2019-03-09}}
=Themes=
Green ribbon
File:World Mental Health Day - 45226348191.jpg
The green ribbon is the "international symbol for mental health awareness."
The Foundation's green ribbon ambassadors, include: Olly Alexander, Aisling Bea, Olivia Colman, Matt Haig, David Harewood, Nadiya Hussain, Grant Hutchison, Alex Lawther, and Graham Norton.
The movement uses the hashtag #PinItForMentalHealth.{{cite web|url=https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/green-ribbon-campaign/ambassadors|title=Green Ribbon Ambassadors|publisher=mentalhealth.org.uk|date= |accessdate=2019-03-09}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/green-ribbon-campaign/faqs|title=Green Ribbon FAQs|date=14 February 2019}}
Funding
The Foundation's total income for the financial year ending 31 March 2024 was £7.7m.{{cite web|url=https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/about-us/annual-reports-key-documents|title=Annual reports and key documents|publisher=mentalhealth.org.uk|date= 12 November 2015|accessdate=2019-03-09}} The majority of this income comes from donations, legacies, and charitable activities.
Organization
The Foundation is an incorporated UK charity headed by a board of 12 trustees. Aisha Sheikh-Anene was appointed chair of the board of trustees in 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/about-us/news/mental-health-foundation-appoints-aisha-sheikh-anene-chair-board-trustees|title=Mental Health Foundation appoints Aisha Sheikh-Anene as Chair of the Board of Trustees|publisher=mentalhealth.org.uk|date= 15 June 2022|accessdate=2022-09-30}}
The president of the Foundation is Dr Jacqui Dyer MBE{{cite web|url=https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/about-us/news/mental-health-foundation-announces-new-prevention-strategy-and-new-president|title=Mental Health Foundation announces new prevention strategy and new President|publisher=mentalhealth.org.uk|date= 21 November 2019|accessdate=2022-09-30}} and the patron is Princess Alexandra.
See also
References
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Category:Health charities in the United Kingdom
Category:Health in the London Borough of Southwark
Category:Medical and health organisations based in London
Category:Mental health organisations in the United Kingdom
Category:1949 establishments in the United Kingdom
Category:Organisations based in the London Borough of Southwark