Mental health charity Mind cuts staff as pandemic decimates sector
One of the UK's biggest mental health charities has announced 80 job cuts as the coronavirus pandemic rips through the sector.
Mind, which employ 525 staff in their head offices in London and Cardiff, have said the cuts are due to the "ongoing impact" of Covid-19.
The number of people affected will be less than 80 as the charity will close open vacancies.
Despite an emergency fundraising appeal, the charity's income fell 15 per cent after their shops were forced to close and events were cancelled or postponed .
It comes as a study found that two in five voluntary sector groups have reported increasing financial difficulties due to coronavirus, and one in 10 may be forced to close.
Charity bosses warn that the sector is in “serious trouble” following an estimated £10 billion funding gap over six months, and have urged the Government to “think creatively” about how it can be supported.
Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, said that the charity has faced both a huge surge in demand and a decrease in income.
“Covid-19 has caused both a huge surge in demand for our services but at the same time decreased our income. Despite launching a very successful fundraising appeal during the pandemic, we have been unable to secure enough funding to give us security in the medium to long term. As a result, we’ve had to make some very difficult decisions to preserve our frontline and campaigning work for the long term.”
He added: "We are working closely with our union and doing all we can to make sure anyone facing redundancy is fully supported both in terms of their wellbeing and also when it comes to finding alternative employment suited to their individual needs, aspirations and skills."
In response to the pandemic Mind helped create a coronavirus information hub which has been viewed 1.7 million times since going live in March.
They also launched a support service for frontline workers struggling with their mental health during the pandemic.
Mind has a confidential information and support line, Mind Infoline, available on 0300 123 3393 (lines open 9am - 6pm, Monday – Friday)
