Following my meeting with the mental health charity, Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Mind, and the local CCG, I’m delighted that they have agreed to work together to find a sustainable solution to its funding difficulties. Mind plays a vital role in mental health support both in homes and in the community. Since 2012 its funding has reduced from £400,000 to £200,000 which has led to a staff reduction from 23 to 9 whilst the number of volunteers have declined from 100 to 60. Despite this, referrals have increased. CEO, Sophie Hill, told the meeting that if lottery funding were to cease they would be forced to close and this would have a negative knock on effect on other services, including the police and the NHS. I’m pleased that the CCG agreed to re-establish a stronger working relationship and to work together to produce financial models based on current and higher levels of provision to ensure that the charity receives the financial support it needs to continue the good work it has been doing for decades.
