According to NAMI, as many as 1 in 5 people in the USA experience mental health problems. Over the last few years, the subject of mental health has become less stigmatized, yet unfortunately, there’s still an evident lack of education and funding surrounding mental illness. To support mental health, or access help, there are a variety of organizations who provide some excellent services. Contributing to mental-health based charities is a great way to support wellbeing within your community.
1 . National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI is a large charity dedicated to improving the lives of Americans who have a mental illness. It exists due to the hard work of volunteers, local affiliates and state organization funding. The charity offer resources, events, education, and seek to raise awareness of mental health in general. One of the key aims behind NAMI is to diminish the stigma of mental illness via educating the community. NAMI offer support for families affected by mental illness so they can access the information and support that they need. They run mental health events regularly, including Mental Illness Awareness Week and NAMIWalks. To get involved, you can join-up via becoming a member and creating an account on the website. You could also take a look at ‘NAMI-Smarts for Advocacy,’ (a training program).
2 . Brain and Behaviour Research Foundation
The Brain & Behaviour Research Foundation is an organization who are dedicated to ‘alleviating the suffering caused by mental illness.’ The charity funds scientific research aimed at making breakthroughs in the treatment of mental health. The BBR Foundation seeks to encourage innovative research and support scientists with new and unique ideas. To support BBRF, you can donate, create fundraising pages, or sponsor a webinar. More details of how you can get involved are available on the BBRF website.
3 . Mental Health America
Dr. Cynthia Telles, Chair of the Kaiser Permanente Community Health Committee, once stated that, ‘Health is holistic and issues like housing and food insecurity, can have a grave impact or both personal and community wellbeing.’ With a similar idea in mind, Mental Health America seeks to tackle mental health directly, as an important issue of public health and community wellbeing.
MHA was originally founded in 1909, it’s an organization dedicated to helping those with mental illness, and raising awareness. MHA strives to treat and support mental health conditions early, to minimize suffering. The organization works to intervene and reduce the progression of associated conditions. MHA offer screening services, advocacy work and referrals. Details of how to volunteer can be found on the ‘get involved’ section of the website.
4 . This Is My Brave
This Is My Brave, is a charity that works to diminish the stigma surrounding mental health via storytelling. TIMB help to empower individuals to share their experiences via creative outlets such as music or poetry. There are plenty of details about up and coming events in America and Australia on the TIMB website.There is also an option to ‘become a brave champion’ which involves making a gift, to help an individual with mental illness on their journey. Brave hope that one-day, discussion of mental health will be considered normal as opposed to ‘brave’.
5 . Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue is a non-profit mental health organization based in Australia. The charity works to tackle issues such as anxiety, depression and other associated mental health problems. BB works with a variety of media, workplaces and health services to provide education and support the victims of mental health. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer or fundraise for BB, which can be found on the site. Here you’ll also find success stories of those who have overcome mental health problems.
- Mind
Mind is a British mental health charity operating across both England and Wales. The mission statement of Mind is, ‘ We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect.’ Mind completes policy work that influences the government, ensuring that those suffering from mental health problems get the help that they need. Mind provide plenty of services, information and education ongoing, staying true to their mission statement. There are opportunities available to both campaign with mind or to donate. The website offers a huge range of info on a whole spectrum of mental health conditions, along with self-care tips about managing your emotions.
For business owners, collaborating with a charity organization could allow you to extend your target audience plus support your community. Whether it’s an ongoing sponsorship or a one-off workshop, every contribution makes a difference.
