YOU may know that Mind in West Essex provides mental health services and support in Harlow, Epping Forest and Uttlesford. But did you know that we are separate to the national charity Mind?

Andrew Brookes writes:

“That’s right: we’re an independent charity run by local people. We raise our own funds and make our own decisions about how we use them.

It’s currently Local Mind Week, which aims to help people better understand the network of independent local Minds that sit alongside the national charity and what we do as your local Mind. So, we thought we’d tell you a little more about us…

Mind in West Essex is part of a network of local Minds across England, Wales and the Channel Islands. We share ideas and learn from each other.

We all work together under the Mind umbrella, fighting to make sure that no mind is left behind. But every local Mind is different, so the services we offer may not be the same as another area.

We understand our community – and provide services that people here want and need. Everyone’s mental health is different, so we shape our support around you.

What does Mind in West Essex do?

As your local Mind, we’re here for you. We support thousands of people each year, with 5,668 new referrals across our services in 2024.

We run community activity groups, online support groups, befriending and peer to peer support, with many of these facilitated by people with their own experience of mental health challenges. We also have mental health coaches and wellbeing assistants, who provide practical help.

Our children and young people Mental Health Support Team do early intervention work in schools and colleges, such as providing guidance on things like anxiety, stress and low mood.

We’re there for people who need counselling or therapy, and provide crisis support for people who need urgent help but don’t need hospital treatment.

We also provide a range of training and resources through our online academy to help you understand mental health better or learn how to better support people around you.

There’s everything from free self-help and e-learning courses you can do at your own pace, to in-person or online workshops and CPD certified courses.

How to support us

Your support helps us to be here for our community, now and in the future. Every penny raised locally, for Mind in West Essex, is spent locally – so, when you support us, you’re helping your friends, family and neighbours right here.

You can help us do more and support more people by donating or fundraising for us. Head to MindInWestEssex.org.uk/fundraising to find out more.

Another way you can support our work is by volunteering – and it’s great for your own mental health, too! Visit MindInWestEssex.org.uk/get-involved for more information.