Our Helpline’s future is more secure after a record year

The future of our vital Suffolk Mind Helpline has been made more secure after its busiest ever year.

The Helpline saw the highest ever demand for its services in 2024, receiving more than 33,000 requests for information or mental health support – 5,000 more than the year prior.

We launched our First Call campaign last year to fund its £1,000-per-week running costs, with match funding guaranteed thanks to national non-profit organisation Big Give’s Christmas Challenge.

In total, donors raised an incredible £13,000 in just one week – which when matched saw us awarded £26,000. Enough to fund the Helpline for half a year.

Jon Neal, CEO of Suffolk Mind, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported us in the First Call campaign – and through all other fundraisers throughout 2024.

“The demand for our services grows year on year – so it would come as no surprise to see an increase in the number of people we support in 2025.

“That’s why it is so vital we are able to operate services like our Helpline, providing people with the help and information they need or signposting them to further support.”

Aside from Suffolk Mind’s specialist hotlines, such as the evening service Suffolk Night Owls, the general Helpline gives callers information about the support services available to them and the option to self-refer.

It also signposts to other local organisations that provide a range of specialist support, as well as emergency services for those in crisis. 

Between the Helpline and associated email inbox, we receive more than 100 enquiries a day from those in need.

Much of the £26,000 figure was made possible thanks to the support of local businesses.

One of those to donate was Bad Shirt Club, a clothing business run by local entrepreneur John Parnell which donates £1 to Suffolk Mind for every shirt it sells as a tribute to his late friend Aine Kerlin.

John said: “Bad Shirt Club was founded because of our belief in the power of conversation – and how something as simple as your shirt can spark a meaningful chat and genuine connection.

“All of us at Bad Shirt Club are united in our commitment to supporting mental health causes and are delighted to hear our contributions have helped secure the future of this vital service.

“We look forward to supporting the charity again throughout 2025 in the aim of achieving its mission of making Suffolk the best place in the world to talk about and take care of mental health.”

Suffolk Mind’s Helpline can be accessed by calling 0300 111 6000 or via info@suffolkmind.org.uk.

Those in a mental health emergency should call 999 or Samaritans via 116 123.