Mental health charity Mind - who employ around 525 staff at their head offices in Stratford, London and Cardiff, Wales - has confirmed around 80 posts could be lost.

The number of compulsory redundancies will be significantly fewer than 80 however, as post closures include job vacancies that will not be filled, fixed term contracts that will come to an end and we will be offering voluntary redundancy.

This year Mind, as across the charitable sector, is facing a changing and uncertain financial situation due to the ongoing impact of Covid 19. The successful emergency fundraising appeal and the generosity of all of those who have donated have helped make sure that Mind can continue their vital work supporting those with mental health problems during the pandemic. The money raised has helped make sure the mental health charity is able to quickly respond to everyone who needs them at a time of increased demand, for example, by launching a coronavirus information hub which has been viewed over 1.7 million times since going live in March.

However, the temporary closure of Mind’s shops across England and Wales, the cancellation or postponement of major fundraising events like the Virgin Money London Marathon (which normally brings in over £1million) and the uncertainty around income generation for 2021 as a result of coronavirus and the wider economy will affect the charity’s long term finances. As a result, job losses have been unavoidable.
Mind will now focus on reinvesting in order to have the greatest, most-sustainable impact for those with the biggest mental health need, in line with a new strategy which will be published next year.

Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, said:

“I’m extremely sad to confirm that around 80 posts are likely to be closed due to us expecting a fall in income for next year of around 15%. The number of people affected will be fewer than 80 as these post closures include many job vacancies that will not be filled, fixed contracts that will come to an end and we will be offering voluntary redundancy.

“As a mental health charity employing a huge number of passionate, dedicated staff – many of whom have first-hand lived experience - redundancies are always an absolute last resort. We are working closely with our union and doing all we can to make sure anyone facing redundancy is fully supported both in terms of their wellbeing and also when it comes to finding alternative employment suited to their individual needs, aspirations and skills.

“We are hugely thankful to the generosity of members of the public, and the heightened awareness and understanding of mental health need in wake of the coronavirus outbreak, which have allowed Mind to fare better than many of our friends across the charity sector. COVID-19 has caused both a huge surge in demand for our services but at the same time decreased our income. Despite launching a very successful fundraising appeal during the pandemic, we have been unable to secure enough funding to give us security in the medium to long term. As a result, we’ve had to make some very difficult decisions to preserve our frontline and campaigning work for the long term.”

Notes to Editors

About Mind:

• We’re Mind, the mental health charity. We provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. We won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets both support and respect. mind.org.uk
• Please note that Mind is not an acronym and should be set in title case.
• Mind has a confidential information and support line, Mind Infoline, available on 0300 123 3393 (lines open 9am - 6pm, Monday – Friday)
• Our online mental health community Side by Side is a safe space where anyone aged 18 and over with experience of a mental health problem can share their story, connect with others, access Mind’s wider information and resources, and give support in return. Find out more at www.sidebyside.mind.org.uk
• Mind’s income has been affected by coronavirus, largely due to the temporary closure of our charity shops across England and Wales, and the cancellation or postponement of major fundraising events, including the Virgin Money London Marathon. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals to be able to continue in our fight to make sure everyone with a mental health problem gets both support and respect. Donate to Mind’s emergency appeal, by visiting www.mind.org.uk/donate
• Contact Mind’s Media Team for interviews or further information on 0208 522 1743. For out of hours support, call 07850 788 514 or email [email protected].

About Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing programme:

• Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing programme aims to help people understand and start talking about the costs of neglecting mental wellbeing in the workplace.
• Mind offers free resources for employers to help improve mental wellbeing and employee engagement.
• For more information, including tips for employers and staff, visit mind.org.uk/work
• Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index enables employers to celebrate the good work they’re doing to promote staff mental wellbeing and be supported to do even better. Forward-thinking employers can get involved by visiting mind.org.uk/index
• Mind, with support from The Royal Foundation, Heads Together and 11 other organisations has created a free UK-wide website bringing together free information, advice, resources and training for employees and employers to promote good mental health at work: mentalhealthatwork.org.uk
• Along with Samaritans, Shout, Hospice UK and with support from The Royal Foundation, Mind has launched Our Frontline, a combination of 1-2-1 support and online resources available round the clock for NHS workers, carers, emergency services and all other key workers.

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