Heart of England offers help to mental health charities in the Midlands during lockdown

Heart of England Community Foundation has been extending help and support across the Midlands with its Coronavirus Resilience Fund, supporting charities that are having to adapt, modify or pivot to survive the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

In line with Mental Health Awareness Week, which is highlighting the theme of kindness, Heart of England has continued to award grants to vital services and charities supporting mental health needs, to ensure communities are still able to thrive during the pandemic.

One aspect of the coronavirus pandemic that rarely gets highlighted is the impact it has had on charities. According to recent reports it is estimated around £4billion will be lost in donations to charities across the UK.

Heart of England Community Foundation has been rallying to ensure that the service providers across the West Midlands are still able to support those who need it most.

With a reported increase in people feeling anxious and depressed due to the ongoing pandemic, more and more people are turning to local services to get the help they need.

So far, Heart of England Community Foundation has funded over 265 projects across the West Midlands and Warwickshire, all of which are fundamental to communities.

Awarding over £780K, the Foundation has awarded funding to mental health charities including Hope into Action, You can Flourish, Ordinary Magic C.I.C, Nightlife Outreach and tastlifeuk.

Covering the breadth of the Midlands region, each of these charities offers mentoring and support to those who find themselves struggling.

Tina Costello, Chief Executive at Heart of England Community Foundation, told I am Birmingham:

“Now more than ever charities need our help.

“The pandemic has created a lot of financial uncertainty to so many businesses across the country, and we predict even further losses for the third sector.

“Needless to day, this will impact so many people who rely on these services.

“Funding these organisations is vital, as communities need support through these trying times.

“We hope that the Foundation can continue to help the local charities to ensure that important services, such as mental health organisations, continue to serve our region and ease any uncertainty that people may feel.”