Partner story: Mental Health Foundation
Partner story: Mental Health Foundation
Introduction
The Mental Health Foundation was our knowledge partner for a cutting-edge programme of Fellowships exploring community-based approaches to mental health, from 2016-2018.
“Working with the Churchill Fellowship has been inspirational, allowing us to connect with so many talented people.” - MHF Development Director Isabelle Goldie
The Mental Health Foundation’s vision is good mental health for all. At the time, they were looking to increase their international research in this area. Through the partnership, they gained access to frontline global research and a network of Fellows to aid their policy work.
Prior to the pandemic, an estimated one in six people in England experienced a common mental health problem in England, with similar prevalence elsewhere in the UK. The aim of the programme was to explore global community-based solutions to these mental health challenges. MHF helped us to shape the programme, recruit applicants, and help Fellows to increase their impact in the sector through mentoring, contacts and briefings with policy makers.
In the course of three years, 59 Fellows visited 17 countries, bringing their learning back to the UK. The results were published in a series of themed briefings and podcasts, providing insights from the Fellowships, identifying high-level recommendations for policy and practice in the UK and sharing case studies. In particular, the programme highlighted vital learning about the need for tailored mental health responses to be built around the culture and experiences of the many diverse individuals and groups affected by poor mental health.
These 59 Fellows have gone on to build this learning into their own practices. Examples include police constable Adele Owen who established a peer-support network on PTSD in the force, which informed the new National Blue Light Wellbeing Framework for emergency services; and clinical psychologist Erica McInnis who has been delivering online courses with mental health support tailored to people of African heritage.
“Working with the Churchill Fellowship has been inspirational, allowing us to connect with so many talented people. The role it has played cannot be underestimated. It has raised the profile of mental health and developed future leaders in the field, who will help us make the UK a mentally healthier place for future generations.” - MHF Development Director Isabelle Goldie
“Working with the Churchill Fellowship has been inspirational, allowing us to connect with so many talented people.” - MHF Development Director Isabelle Goldie
The Mental Health Foundation’s vision is good mental health for all. At the time, they were looking to increase their international research in this area. Through the partnership, they gained access to frontline global research and a network of Fellows to aid their policy work.
Prior to the pandemic, an estimated one in six people in England experienced a common mental health problem in England, with similar prevalence elsewhere in the UK. The aim of the programme was to explore global community-based solutions to these mental health challenges. MHF helped us to shape the programme, recruit applicants, and help Fellows to increase their impact in the sector through mentoring, contacts and briefings with policy makers.
In the course of three years, 59 Fellows visited 17 countries, bringing their learning back to the UK. The results were published in a series of themed briefings and podcasts, providing insights from the Fellowships, identifying high-level recommendations for policy and practice in the UK and sharing case studies. In particular, the programme highlighted vital learning about the need for tailored mental health responses to be built around the culture and experiences of the many diverse individuals and groups affected by poor mental health.
These 59 Fellows have gone on to build this learning into their own practices. Examples include police constable Adele Owen who established a peer-support network on PTSD in the force, which informed the new National Blue Light Wellbeing Framework for emergency services; and clinical psychologist Erica McInnis who has been delivering online courses with mental health support tailored to people of African heritage.
“Working with the Churchill Fellowship has been inspirational, allowing us to connect with so many talented people. The role it has played cannot be underestimated. It has raised the profile of mental health and developed future leaders in the field, who will help us make the UK a mentally healthier place for future generations.” - MHF Development Director Isabelle Goldie