Charity launches UK’s first fundraising appeal for complex mental health patients

The UK’s first fundraising appeal, designed to transform the lives of people with complex mental health needs at scale, has been launched today (11 June 2025).

For Hope in Every Life will raise vital funds to support care and recovery for people with a range of the most complex needs, such as acquired brain injury, schizophrenia, personality disorder and complex dementia.

The appeal is led by St Andrew’s Healthcare, the UK’s largest mental health charity specialising in complex mental health. Founded in 1838, this is St Andrew’s first fundraising appeal for more than a century.

Complex mental health affects us all. One in 105 people have a diagnosis for a severe mental health condition (SMI), meaning that we are likely to know someone in our lives. Putting this another way, that’s more than the population of Edinburgh. While society has come a long way in recognising mental health and breaking taboos, the most vulnerable – those with the most complex needs – are often overlooked. This is where St Andrew’s Healthcare and For Hope in Every Life steps in.

Dr Vivienne McVey, Chief Executive Officer of St Andrew’s Healthcare, said: “For Hope in Every Life is hugely ambitious. We want to help transform the lives of thousands of people who are often overlooked in our society. We want to support them to find a sense of self, connect with their community and live a better life. It’s about rediscovering hope for every life.”

St Andrew’s works in partnership with the NHS to deliver care for patients in hospital and in the community. The appeal will support additional services – such as specialist rehabilitation, therapy, research and aftercare – that statutory funding doesn’t support.

Oli Hiscoe, Head of Fundraising at St Andrew’s Healthcare, said: “For Hope in Every Life bridges the gap between what quality care provided and going the extra mile to make the difference for patients. By combining innovation, compassion, and evidence-based approaches, we strive to revolutionise complex mental health care and show what is possible when we go over and above for our patients.”

There are several ways to get involved. Individuals can donate or embark on inspiring fundraising challenges. Companies, schools and community groups can partner with us to raise funds and have a real impact and can join our group of dedicated volunteers to support our patients across the country.

To get involved and be inspired go to hopeineverylife.org

Donors, partners and volunteers can choose how they want money raised to be spent. This could be therapeutic garden programmes, musical workshops, exercise-based initiatives, enhanced aftercare, specialist research into complex mental health, or many other ideas.