Hub of Hope becomes Mind’s new signposting tool

Leading mental health charity, Mind, has selected Chasing the Stigma’s Hub of Hope to replace their peer support service and become their new signposting tool, directing people to life-changing and even lifesaving support.

The partnership comes as the UK faces a growing mental health crisis. During 2022, mental health services in England witnessed an unprecedented surge in demand, with a remarkable 4.6 million referrals received—an increase of 22% compared to 2019. And the number of individuals seeking assistance from mental health services has been consistently on the rise. (British Medical Association, 2023)

After a decade of hosting the Mind Peer Support Directory, there was a clear need for a dynamic and up-to-date resource that caters to the evolving needs of community groups. The Mind Peer Support Directory served people well for many years, but the charity felt it was time for a change. They wanted to provide a more comprehensive and user-friendly directory that would empower community groups and promote their invaluable efforts.

By signposting from its website to the Hub of Hope it will be directing hundreds of thousands of people to a wealth of support options across the UK, including its own services and groups, which will be added to the app database. With our dedicated team consistently updating the directory, the Hub of Hope provides accurate and relevant information to help individuals find the right support in their local communities.

What’s the Hub of Hope?

The Hub of Hope is a free app that connects people to more than 11,000 mental health support services and groups across the UK. It is available on iPhone, Android and desktop (www.hubofhope.co.uk) and directs people to the nearest relevant local support using either the postcode typed in by the user or the location of the web browser or mobile device. Searches can be filtered by specific concern/type of support required, for example, peer-to-peer groups, NHS or voluntary groups. For those needing immediate help, the app has a ‘Need Help Now?’ button that connects users directly to Samaritans or Crisis Text Line’s messaging service. 

The Hub of Hope is the only app of its kind that brings local voluntary, grassroots, private and third-sector mental health support services together in one place, providing consistent signposting to mental health support across the UK.

By working with Mind, we’re confident that we’re offering a directory that will serve communities better than ever before. Together, we will empower individuals, promote community groups, and ensure that everyone can easily access the mental health support they need.

Chasing the Stigma’s CEO Jake Mills said:

“Hundreds of thousands of us struggle with fluctuations in mental health day-to-day, so it’s crucial that we all know what to do and where to go if we feel we need help. This was true even before the pandemic but now with a whole range of other factors, including social media and the cost of living crisis exacerbating the problem, it’s vital we all work together to offer a consistent and clear-cut route to help and support for everyone.”

“We are delighted to be signposting partner for Mind and are incredibly excited about the work we can do together to offer hope to people across the country.”

Dr Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive of Mind said:

“Chasing the Stigma is one of the most important mental health charities in the U.K. and a great friend of Mind. I am so pleased that we are able to join forces as a Hub of Hope partner to make sure people get the right help at the right time, no stone will be left unturned in the mission to make sure people get support for their mental health.”