Where did it all start?

In 2019, Mind charity shops across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland (LLR) noticed a growing number of residents seeking mental health support. At that time, local Mind services were limited, as two former Mind charities in the area had closed:

  • Harborough and District Mind (closed in April 2014)
  • West Leicestershire Mind (closed in January 2016)

To address this gap, the charity shop staff reached out to Coventry and Warwickshire Mind (CW Mind). Although CW Mind couldn’t directly provide services in LLR, they secured a grant from national Mind to explore the feasibility of establishing a new local Mind in the area.

 

 

Assessing Local Needs

This exploration included:

  • Analysing mental health needs across LLR
  • Reviewing existing service providers and identifying gaps
  • Exploring new business opportunities
  • Engaging with potential partners 
  • Gauging interest from other local Minds in supporting future work in LLR

 

The 2020 findings revealed significant opportunities to develop services in four key areas:

  • Residential services
  • Crisis intervention
  • Children & Young People (C&YP) services
  • Community based mental health support

 

 

 

Building the Foundation

An advisory group was formed, including representatives from neighbouring local Minds, Mind, and Mind Retail. This group evolved into the Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland Development Group (LLRDG), with the ultimate goal of establishing an independent local Mind in LLR.

 

In 2021, an Engagement and Development Lead was hired to:

  • Build a local Mind presence
  • Raise awareness of Mind’s work 
  • Develop new services and partnerships
  • Engage with key stakeholders

 

By 2022, working under Nottinghamshire Mind, LLR Mind had launched Wellbeing Cafes, delivered mental health training to businesses, and supported individual fundraising efforts. The demand for a local Mind in LLR was clear and led the LLRDG to recruit a Chief Officer to establish a new organisation

 

Incorporation

In August 2023, LLR Mind became a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation. The LLRDG transitioned into the Board of Trustees, guiding a team of 14 staff members who reflect the diversity of our community.

We continue to collaborate with voluntary, community, and statutory organisations to deliver services, share ideas, and support one another. A Lived Experience Leadership Panel now advises on shaping our organisation, ensuring the voices of those with lived experience are at the heart of everything we do.