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Our ambition at York is to improve the lives and care of anyone affected by mental ill health, and develop new preventative techniques to reduce the cases of mental ill health and its impact.
By donating today, you can help provide funding for on the ground initiatives and groundbreaking research, improving mental health in York and beyond.
Researchers have made extraordinary advances in treating many physical health conditions. But we’ve fallen behind in looking after our mental health, even though these conditions will affect 1 in 4 of us, from any walk of life. Research into the causes, treatment and prevention of mental illness is nowhere near where it should or could be, leaving behind millions of people worldwide.
For those who seek help, it can take years to get a diagnosis or support. People are left struggling, simply because our society has drastically underfunded mental health research and initiatives.
Mentally Fit York provides funding for a range of activities aimed at enhancing the lives of people affected by mental health problems, and reducing their risk and severity. For us to achieve this, there are a few key areas where funding is directed:
One of the projects funded by Mentally Fit York was a neurodiversity training course run by Kyra, which supports women in the York area, and the main aim is to help women make positive changes in their lives. This initiative was part of the ROSE Project (standing for ‘Reach Out, Support, and Empower’).
The course funded by Mentally Fit York involved a series of Zoom sessions on topics like sensory masking, executive functioning, and support strategies. The aim was to help raise awareness and knowledge within the group of their neurodiversities, creating a safe space to have open discussions and share experiences and to also provide strategies and ways of managing their neurodiversities when they can become challenging in life.
“Funding from Mentally Fit York was crucial for the Rose Project. We needed that initial start to explore what was happening, especially since 90% of Rose members are neurodiverse, but there’s no support out there. You get a diagnosis, but not a course or support to understand how neurodiversity impacts your personal and professional life.”
“Without the Mentally Fit York funding, we wouldn’t have highlighted this need. Now, we’ve secured funding for two more courses, and I’m training to be a strength-based practitioner and facilitator for the neurodiversity course. The progression from where we started to now has been immense.”
Sherrie, Kyra Neurodiversity Lead and ROSE Project Lead for 18 to 30-year-olds
Good mental health is the cornerstone of a healthy, happy, productive society. It enables communities to thrive and empowers people to be ambitious and achieve their life's goals, inspiring inclusive, compassionate and purposeful communities.
Please consider making a difference to mental health by making a gift to Mentally Fit York this Giving Day.
Thank you.