Together, Norfolk shines brighter

About Norfolk Community Foundation

Norfolk Community Foundation is a charity dedicated to building stronger communities and improving the lives of people in Norfolk.

We bring people together who want to make a difference where they live – whether they step up to take action themselves, or support those who do with an investment of funding or time.

We provide local funding and support that ensures that Norfolk charities and voluntary groups can continue and grow, providing essential care, support and opportunity for the most vulnerable in our communities.

All the funds we raise are invested in Norfolk to make a real difference to local lives. Led by our local knowledge and insight, we direct support to where it is most needed, with our work touching 1 in 4 people in Norfolk.

We are proud to work in partnership with Handelsbanken to support our shared commitment to improving the lives of people in Norfolk who are affected by mental ill health.

What is mental health and wellbeing?

Mental wellbeing is the way that we think and feel, and our ability to deal with the ups and downs of life. Being mentally healthy ensures we can make the most of our potential, cope with day to day pressures, and play a full part in our family, the workplace and in the community.

It is estimated that 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. In England, 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression, in any given week.

The coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on people’s mental wellbeing and will also have profound psychological consequences in the longer term. From lost jobs and businesses to loved ones lost, mental health services have seen an increase in people experiencing mental distress as they deal with the physical and psychological aftermath of the pandemic.

The Centre for Mental Health charity estimates that 8.5 million adults and 1.5 million children in England will need support for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorders and other mental health difficulties in the coming months and years. With statutory mental health services struggling, it is our frontline charities and community groups that are playing a critical role in meeting this increased need for mental health support now and in the long term.

“Mental health is something which we all have a stake in – now more than ever. There are many local charities and community groups who are already making an outstanding difference to lives across Norfolk but they need funding and support to sustain and grow their work. We all have our part to play in offering mutual support to one another and I believe we have got it within ourselves to make a difference and to change things around.”

Rt Hon Sir Norman Lamb

Chair of the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition and former MP for North Norfolk

What can we do together?

The Handelsbanken Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund has been created to help sustain and develop the support that charitable organisations can offer to alleviate a range of mental health and wellbeing issues in the community. From counselling and therapies, to dementia care and befriending, local provision can be a lifeline for people facing isolation and exclusion with nowhere else to turn.

In 2020, the Handelsbanken Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund awarded over £40,000 in grants to a range of local charities and community groups tackling the early challenges of Covid-19. Funded projects helped to keep people connected and supported during the various lockdowns, as well as providing direct support and counselling around issues such as anxiety, sleep deprivation, PTSD and bereavement for young and older people, carers and veterans.

We can only provide this essential support with your help – even a small contribution can make a big difference to lives in Norfolk.

Find out more about our work

Visit www.norfolkfoundation.com to find out more about our work, or contact the team at shinebrighter@norfolkfoundation.com/ 01603 623958.

Registered charity number: 111081