Finally, we looked at the key resources we needed to succeed. As a people powered organisation, we want a culture where our staff can thrive and we can build the organisational resilience that is so vital in an uncertain world. Prioritising fundraising, harnessing technology and deepening our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion – especially anti-racist practice – are the three pillars on which our strategy rests.
But there was a final piece to the puzzle. The Foundation is not a service provider. We exist to drive and lasting change. To do that, we know we must work with others, collaborate and join forces with partners.
That is where you come in. Preventing and reducing mental health problems is one of the greatest challenges of our generation and we need passionate and skilled academics, partners, donors, people with lived experience, businesses and foundations to join us in this mission.
I’m grateful to the superb Cathy Irving who steered this work and to the trustees, staff and partners who gave their time and insight to develop this strategy. But this is just the end of the beginning. Please join us in fighting for prevention in mental health!