From managing mental ill health to preventing it
We are the UK’s only national charity dedicated to preventing poor mental health.
We think differently about mental health. We think positively about prevention. We’re tackling the rapidly-growing mental health crisis by changing the UK’s approach from managing mental ill health to preventing it. And we’re fighting for those most at risk, especially young people.
Because everyone deserves good mental health.
Preventing poor mental health
Mental health problems are not inevitable. With the right action, at the right time, we can protect people’s wellbeing long before they reach crisis point.
We are focused on building a society that understands and prioritises mental health, invests in prevention, and acts early to protect those most at risk.
Our areas of focus
For the next five years, we are focusing on a small number of key, connected issues where prevention can have the greatest impact.
This focused approach will help us drive deeper progress in priority areas while also strengthening the wider system for preventing poor mental health.
We will focus in particular on young people in response to the unacceptable and avoidable numbers of young people with poor mental health in the UK.
Mentally-healthy online worlds
Bullying and discrimination
Better working lives
Our approach
Drawing on over 75 years of experience, we combine evidence, influence and participation to shift the UK’s approach from managing mental ill health to preventing it.
Our work focuses on the systems, environments and experiences that shape mental health, while equipping people to support their own wellbeing.
We drive change using our expertise in the following areas:
Research
Participation
Policy and advocacy
Campaigning
Information and resources
Mental Health Awareness Week
Since 2001, the Mental Health Foundation has been leading Mental Health Awareness Week - bringing the UK together every May to focus on getting good mental health.
Find out more
Working in partnership
We work with partners across sectors to deliver greater impact, bringing together policymakers, employers, communities and people with lived experience. By building coalitions and networks, we will strengthen collective action and accelerate progress towards prevention.
