South Kent Mind

Overview

South Kent Mind is an independent local charity affiliated with Mind, the national mental health charity in the United Kingdom. It operates under its own constitution and governance framework, overseen by a board of trustees. The charity focuses on promoting better mental health and wellbeing by preserving and safeguarding mental health and providing relief to individuals suffering from mental health disorders[2][3].

Mission and Activities

South Kent Mind offers a range of activities designed to support individuals with mental health issues in the regions of Folkestone, Hythe, Dover, Deal, Sandwich, and New Romney. Their services include:

• Counselling: A low-cost counselling service available to members, aimed at supporting individuals through life challenges and enhancing mental wellbeing[1].
• Mindfulness Courses: The charity offers online mindfulness courses to help improve overall wellbeing[1].
• Community Engagement: Activities are held regularly to encourage social interaction and community engagement among members[1].
• Training and Development: South Kent Mind provides mental health training, enabling individuals to become mental health first aiders. This training is available for businesses and organizations to enhance their understanding and support for mental health[1].

Governance and Operations

The charity was initially registered as Folkestone & District Mind before adopting its current name. It has a robust governance structure that includes policies for risk management, safeguarding, conflicts of interest, and volunteer management to ensure effective and responsible operations[5].

Financial Overview

South Kent Mind receives funding from government contracts and grants to support its operations. As of the financial year ending March 2024, the charity reported significant income from these sources, which is utilized to deliver its core services[5]. The charity also relies on the support of volunteers to help in its operations, with no employees receiving total benefits exceeding £60,000[5].

Recognition and Quality Assurance

South Kent Mind has been awarded the Mind Quality Mark, which recognizes its commitment to delivering high-quality mental health services aligned with national standards[1].

[1] https://southkentmind.org.uk [2] https://southkentmind.org.uk/who-we-are [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/3985881/charity-overview [4] https://www.instagram.com/southkentmind/ [5] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/3985881/full-print