Media Trust is offering free training and support for small mental health organisations

Organisations that offer vital mental health support are being offered free communications support and training.

Headlining Mental Health is an exciting new programme from Media Trust for small mental health organisations.

This programme is designed to help organisations extend the power and reach of their communications, supporting their mission, whether that’s to reach people who need to access support, to normalise conversations around mental health, or to make sure the voices of people living with mental health issues are heard.

Media Trust’s new Headlining Mental Health Programme, funded by Gamesys Foundation, will provide 20 organisations with a structured seven-month (March – September) programme of online communications skills training, mentoring by media and communications experts, media interview training and peer networking and support. The programme will also offer funding and free ad credits to help put the learning into practice.

Using a combination of specialist charity sector trainers and experts from the media and creative industries, the programme will provide training and share best practice and ideas to help you to be more strategic with your communications. The programme will help participants:

• Communicate complex messages clearly
• Raise your organisation’s profile and the impact of your work
• Grow your audiences and connect with people who need mental health support
• Engage with journalists and secure media coverage
• Provide innovative and safe ways to make sure the voices of people living with mental health challenges are heard through storytelling and campaigns
• Increase digital fundraising from the public or funding bodies
• Advocate for changes in policy, funding or treatment

Media Trust chief executive Su-Mei Thompson said: “We are really excited about launching Headlining Mental Health at this critical time. We know mental health charities are facing enormous pressure exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This project will support small mental health charities in raising their profile and communicating their impact, reminding stakeholders why their work is vital, and re-igniting funding support.

“We're looking forward to helping more small charities share their stories and engage with the press and social media. We also want to empower more diverse expert voices and to hear from different communities about their lived experiences so we can help ensure any hidden pockets of need are being highlighted and supported.

“We’re very grateful to the Gamesys Foundation for their support for the programme which includes seed funding for our charity participants to put the communications strategies they develop through the programme into action.”

For full details and to apply, visit the Media Trust website. Applications close on 22 February at 9am.