Working together – how Norwich is fundraising for mental health

1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem at some point in our lives. Sometimes, being able to start a conversation is the first step to getting help.

Throughout 2016, we raised over £6400 to support 3 local MIND charities – Norwich & Central Norfolk, Great Yarmouth & Waveney and West Norfolk.  MIND provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.  They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

Emily Groves, founder and MD at Indigo Swan said –

“The first step is removing the taboo involved about getting help. Let’s find ways to stop being afraid of or ashamed of times when our mental health is ‘under the weather’ and help one another make it perfectly acceptable to admit and seek help. Good mental health should be right up there with regular breaks, a decent chair, water, praise, regular catch ups and cake on birthdays.  Creating an environment where people feel physically and mentally safe is a business’ responsibility.”

Sarah Ingram, from Norwich MIND, said “It has been a pleasure working with Indigo Swan over the past year and being a part of all the fantastic events they have organised to raise funds for us.  As a local mental health charity we rely on the kindness and generosity of local organisations and our community.  Not only does it mean we can continue the great work we do but it also goes a long way to raising awareness of mental health issues – if we can talk about it and reduce the stigma, others who feel isolated won’t feel alone anymore and can access the help and support they need”.

The Big Indigo Quiz
We were also generously supported by the local Santander Corporate & Commercial team – they came along to the Big Indigo Quiz of the year and pledged to match the funds raised on the night with £1000.

Gavin Page, Relationship Director at Santander, added “Wellbeing is so important in the workplace, and it’s great to have Emily raising awareness within the local business community. We are delighted to have been able to support the Big Indigo Quiz”.

Norfolk Community Foundation
We were able to maximise our fundraising efforts by partnering with the Norfolk Community Foundation who, through their Mental Health & Wellbeing fund, matched every penny raised on a 2:1 basis. In 2017, we are planning to continue supporting MIND. We’ll also be working with the Norfolk Community Foundation to support local community projects that help people who need it the most. Anna Douglas, from the Foundation, said –

“Norfolk Community Foundation is finding that more and more businesses are recognising the positive impact that they can make through engaging with their local communities.  We were delighted to be able to help Indigo Swan direct more money to those who need support through our Mental Health & Wellbeing Match Funding challenge, and look forward to working closely with them again in 2017 to deliver their charitable fundraising to support local charities and community groups.”