The Mental Health Foundation is a UK charity, whose mission is "everyone deserves good mental health".

History

The Mental Health Foundation was founded in 1949, as the Mental Health Research Fund, by Derek Richter, a neurochemist and director of research at Whitchurch Hospital. Richter enlisted the help of stockbroker Ian Henderson, who became the chair, while Victoria Cross recipient Geoffrey Vickers became chair of the research committee. In 1972, the Mental Health Foundation took its current name, shifting its "focus away from laboratory research and towards working directly with—and learning from—people [who] experience mental health problems."

Mental Health Awareness Week

Each year, for a week in May, the Mental Health Foundation leads Mental Health Awareness Week. Mental Health Awareness Week was first held in 2001, and became one of the biggest mental health awareness events in the world.

Themes

Green ribbon

The green ribbon is the "international symbol for mental health awareness." The Foundation's green ribbon ambassadors, include: Olly Alexander, Aisling Bea, Olivia Colman, Matt Haig, David Harewood, Nadiya Hussain, Grant Hutchison, Alex Lawther, and Graham Norton. The movement uses the hashtag #PinItForMentalHealth.

Funding

The Foundation's total income for the financial year ending 31 March 2018 was £5.8m.

Organization

The Foundation is an incorporated UK charity headed by a board of 12 trustees. Aisha Sheikh-Anene was appointed Chair of the board of trustees in 2020. The president of the Foundation is Dr Jacqui Dyer MBE and the patron is Princess Alexandra.