Mental Health Innovations (MHI) is a charity that uses digital innovation, data-driven analysis and the experience of clinical experts to improve the mental health of the UK population through the provision of digital tools, support and resources.

The Covid-19 pandemic has taken a significant toll on the nation’s mental health, particularly among children and young people, and has exacerbated demand for mental health support at scale. As a result, the work of charity Mental Health Innovations, and its mission to improve the mental health of the UK population through technology, has taken on ever-increasing importance.

The Bally’s Foundation has awarded a grant to support Mental Health Innovations’ free 24/7 text message support service for anyone in the UK struggling to cope – Shout 85258. As a digital service, Shout was able to operate as normal during the pandemic when other services could not, and saw conversation numbers increase by 140%. These numbers continue to rise and, to date, Shout Volunteers have taken 970,000 text conversations with 378,000 children, young people and adults needing immediate support with their mental health.

We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Bally’s Foundation. Their grant will enable us to take conversations that could save lives with those who contact us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for immediate support with suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, relationships, loneliness, self-harm and many more mental health concerns.

Victoria Hornby OBE, Chief Executive, Mental Health Innovations