A Piece of Mind

Mental health problems remain the UK’s biggest health challenge, costing the NHS £10bn a year and impacting on the social and economic wellbeing of us all. One in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem at some point in our lifetimes. And its important to remind ourselves that good mental health doesn't start in hospital or the treatment room; it starts in homes, schools, workplaces and communities.
Mind is the leading mental health charity for England and Wales and its service and information delivery takes place at a national and local level. Their network of more than 150 local Minds deliver services such as talking therapies, befriending, employment and training schemes, and supported housing.

MOTIVATION

01. Prevention is the key
Mind is very good at treating people in mental crisis as people perceive that only mental issues are in a crisis, we are missing the opportunity to treat all of the mental issues that happened in pre-crisis.
Through out the interview with Mind in Haringey staff, they mentioned that It is easier for them to recover their mental problem in early stage, so prevention is important.

02. Stigma attached to mental health issues
People usually feel embarrassed to disclose their mental problems as there is a very strong stigma attached to mental health issues and it causes people ashamed to come out. And some of them are in denial about their mental status. 
Local Mind users are mostly referred by their GP. Therefore, the people who might have mental problem cannot easily approach the Mind's service.

03. Opportunity to reach out people outside
Through out the interview with Local Mind users, we found out that the most of them are engaged with group activities such as gardening, cooking based on the users’ talents and practical skills. Some of them feel cured by the services and now are willing to give back as volunteers in different ways. 
Those physical activities and people's willingness for giving back could be a greater opportunity to reach out people outside of the Mind.

A PIECE OF MIND

‘A PIECE OF MIND’ is a smaller version of Local Mind. It delivers the basic information about Mind services, mental health issues and products that have been made by Local Mind users. It will take a piece of their atmosphere and service out to general public.

London, UK / 2014
Client: Mind
Group work