Local Mind Week takes place in the first week of August each year, and it’s a time to celebrate the strength, dedication and impact of local Minds across England, Wales and the Channel Islands. The campaign was developed as a way of helping local supporters, donors and service users better understand how local Minds work as a key part of the Mind federation.
So, what’s the difference between national Mind and a local Mind? It’s a great question. We’re all part of the same family, united by a shared vision: to make sure no one has to face a mental health difficulty alone. But while we share a name and mission, national Mind and local Minds like us operate in different, complementary ways.
National Mind: policy, campaigns and big picture change
National Mind is the charity you may have seen on TV, heard on the radio or read about in national newspapers. Based in London, national Mind leads on:
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National campaigning and advocacy: Pushing for changes in government policy, raising awareness of mental health issues and fighting stigma across society.
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Research and information: Producing trusted mental health resources, research reports and helplines used across the country.
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Supporting the local network: Providing guidance, branding and infrastructure support to local Minds.
They don’t deliver front-line services directly, but their work helps shape a better environment for everyone affected by mental health.
Local Minds: support in your community
Local Minds, including us, are independent charities. That means we:
- Are run by local people, for local people
- Deliver face-to-face and community-based mental health support
- Provide services tailored to local needs
- Fundraise locally to support our work
- Make our own decisions as an independent charity, while being affiliated to the national Mind federation
So, how are we connected?
Local Minds are members of the Mind federation, a network of over 100 local Minds across England, Wales and the Channel Islands. While we share branding and values, each local Mind is an independent organisation with its own board of trustees, staff and service model.
This structure gives us the best of both worlds: the recognition and profile of a national charity, and the flexibility to respond directly to local needs.
Why it matters
Understanding this difference is important. When you donate to national Mind, your money helps support their national work, like campaigns and information. When you donate to a local Mind like us, your support goes directly to helping people in your community.
So during Local Mind Week, we want to say thank you, for supporting your local Mind, for sharing your experiences and for standing with us as we work to make mental health support accessible, compassionate and truly local.