MD EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

The MD Educational Foundation (charity number 1169208) is a UK-based nonprofit organisation focused on enhancing student wellbeing by providing fully funded wellbeing support within educational settings. The charity specifically targets post-16 students, mainly between the ages of 16 and 18, aiming to address gaps in mental health and wellbeing provision in schools, colleges, and sixth forms across the United Kingdom and Ireland.

History and Founding

The foundation was established by Miriam Dervan, the Founder and Executive Chair of mdgroup, alongside Tarquin Scadding-Hunt, the CEO of mdgroup. Both founders identified a significant shortfall in wellbeing support for older students during a formative stage of their education and became committed to offering early intervention through dedicated wellbeing professionals embedded in educational institutions.

Mission and Purpose

MD Educational Foundation’s mission is to ensure that every post-16 student feels supported in all aspects of their wellbeing, facilitating their journey toward a brighter and more secure future. The charity normalises psychological fitness and resilience in young people by providing early intervention services and wellbeing guidance, striving to place student wellbeing at the centre of educational priorities.

Activities and Impact

The core activity of the foundation involves placing qualified wellbeing practitioners—referred to as Wellbeing Leads—within post-16 educational settings. These placements are fully salary-funded by the foundation for a commitment of three years, enabling schools and colleges to initiate and sustain long-term wellbeing strategies. This targeted support helps students manage academic pressures and life stresses, with reported benefits including calmer approaches to exams and better access to appropriate mental health resources.

A testimonial from a Year 13 student cited the personal and communal benefits of the wellbeing services, including one-on-one support and organised activities fostering calming environments and peer connection.

Governance and Financials

As of the financial year ending 31 March 2024, MD Educational Foundation reported a total income of approximately £400,468 and total expenditure of around £469,199. The charity is managed by two trustees who receive no remuneration. It employs staff, including at least one employee with a salary in the range of £60,000 to £70,000. MD Educational Foundation operates without trading subsidiaries and has no recorded payments to trustees.

Vision

The foundation envisions a world where all young people have access to free and timely mental health support through educational settings, thereby promoting resilience and psychological fitness as integral parts of the educational experience for 16-18 year olds.

MD Educational Foundation continues to grow its presence within schools and colleges, aiming to become a pivotal force in the UK and Ireland’s youth wellbeing landscape by bridging the gap between education and mental health support.

[1] https://mdgroup.com/how-we-give-back/mdeducational-foundation/ [2] https://mdeducationalfoundation.org [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5087338 [4] https://mdeducationalfoundation.org/our-mission/ [5] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5087338/full-print