We're inviting our community to show their support for mental health and fundraise for us during Mental Health Awareness Week (15 to 21 May). You can simply wear blue clothes or accessories, organise your own blue-themed fundraising activities with our support or simply donate - the choice is yours.
We've seen a huge increase in demand for our mental health support locally, particularly since the pandemic and in the wake of the cost of living crisis. And there are considerable challenges around people getting timely mental health support in the NHS. Our charity is helping more people than ever before in West Sussex, but we can do even more through fundraised income.
Ideas for you
- Simply wear something blue in your workplace, university, college, school or nursery and invite donations from those dressing up. Think blue clothes (including socks and pants!), blue accessories (wigs, hats, ties, bows, scarves, make-up, body glitter), even blue body parts (blue beards, hair and moustaches also count).
- Schools or colleges could organise a wear it blue non-uniform/dress-up day. We suggest a £2 donation for each child or young person taking part (to share the amount between West Sussex Mind and your school or college) - and we can provide primary school resources around mental health for use in your setting.
- Businesses can ask for donations from employees who wear it blue during Mental Health Awareness Week. Or how about a blue-themed quiz, office 'best-dressed-in-blue competition' or a blue-themed bake sale (think blueberry muffins or blue icing)? Could you do your bit for corporate social responsibility and match-fund the money raised?
- Share your photos on social media, tagging @westsussexmind and using the hashtag #wearitblueforWSM.
- Enter our best photo competition to win a brand-new Apollo bike by emailing your best photo to Fundraising@westsussexmind.org.
Support for your fundraising
You can build your own fundraising page through our platform or simply donate. See our Wear it Blue Enthuse page to get started.
To create a fundraising page with a personalised target, click on the 'Fundraise for us' button at the top of the Enthuse page and share with friends and family. Or simply click 'donate now' to give the funds you have raised or for one-off donations.
If you would like T-shirts, collection tins or buckets or West Sussex Mind leaflets to support your fundraising, please get in touch. We also have Wear It Blue posters and logos to help you with publicity. Email Fundraising@westsussexmind.org