BRIT Awards and Mastercard donate almost a quarter of a million to mental health charity Mind

Mind will, as the official BRITs charity partner, receive the money as a contribution towards its pilot Whole School Approach to mental health programme. This seeks to integrate mental health and wellbeing within the culture of secondary schools so that it can reach pupils, staff, parents, and the wider community. The partnership will also help to promote the importance of mental health and wellbeing across the music and performing arts sectors and encourage every part of the industry to prioritise tackling stigma by committing to Time to Change – a campaign run jointly by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.

“Three children in every classroom have a diagnosable mental health problem but many don’t seek help," explains Paul Farmer, CE of Mind. "We know that early and effective support makes all the difference. Without the right help, at the right time, mental health problems can have a long lasting impact and stop young people achieving their dreams and aspirations. This investment will be the first step in a programme that has the potential to change the lives of thousands of children.”

An additional £25,000 will go to The BRIT School and Music Support respectively. Music Support is the new music industry addictions and mental health charity established by industry veterans Matt Thomas and Andy Franks, which has Robbie Williams as its patron.