Mental health charity Mind has launched an urgent appeal for volunteers to help out in its stores following record sales after they reopened following lockdown.
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Mind’s 160 charity shops, including one on Westgate Street in Bath, have raised £1.5 million in the first month since reopening, the best month ever in the charity’s retail history.
Mind is now calling for support, as shops urgently need volunteers to help sort, price and sell generous donations.
Income from the charity shops can’t come soon enough as Mind announced a predicted £13m loss of retail generated income since the first lockdown.
Simultaneously, it has seen a huge increase in demand for their trusted information and support services, of which Mind shops have always been a key source of funding.
Last year, 20 million people accessed their online and print information, the highest on record, and there were 117,000 mental health queries responded to by the charity’s Information team via phone, email and webchat.
Mind has previously warned of a ‘mental health pandemic’, after their survey of over 16,000 people found two in three (65 per cent) adults aged 25 and over, and three in four (75 per cent) people aged 13-24 with an existing mental health problem reported worse mental health during the initial lockdown.
With increased demand on the charity, and decreased funds, shops in the South West need volunteers and donations now more than ever.
Mind is urging those who can’t volunteer their time to donate their pre-loved items.
After months of Mind shops being closed, and a sudden surge in sales since reopening, stock levels across shops are low. The average bag of items donated to a Mind shop is worth around £30 – 25 per cent more if the donor signs up for Gift Aid.
Andrew Vale, Managing Director of Mind Retail, said: “This record-breaking month is testament to the tireless efforts of our dedicated volunteers and staff, as well as our generous donors and customers.
“Raising £1.5million in a month is incredible, and much-needed, to make up for the losses incurred by forced shop closures throughout the pandemic.
“Our wonderful staff and volunteers are doing incredible things – but they could do so much more with extra hands and donations. Due to the challenges of the pandemic, many volunteers have been unable to return – leaving shops struggling to cope.
“Volunteering doesn’t need to be a big time-consuming commitment – even just an hour a week could make a huge difference – and volunteers benefit from the opportunity to build their confidence, skills and gain qualifications.
“During a time when many have lost their jobs and support networks, volunteering at a Mind shop in the South West is a great way to make new friends in the community, find a route back into work, or even start a new career path.
“Ongoing support from staff, volunteers, donors and customers is crucial to make sure Mind’s shops can survive in this challenging climate facing our high streets.
“Mind won’t turn away suitable donations and will always be grateful of any time you can give.
“Donating or volunteering at your local Mind shop in the South West means Mind can continue to be there for the growing number of people in need.”
