At no time before this has society realised the fragility of physical and mental health. In terms of mental health, COVID-19 has placed an additional immense pressure on all of us, and those impacted the most are likely to be from the most vulnerable groups, as well as those from BAME backgrounds, young people and those already living with mental health challenges.
The already colossal burden of mental illness has just got greater, and the fissures of mental health inequalities are widening. MQ has invested over £21M in its first six years supporting the growth of the mental health research sector, impacting the way research is done and developing new tools for the future of mental health diagnosis, treatment and prevention. It is one of only a few charities internationally dedicated to this cause. Our investment and convening of the mental health research sector have seen over £46M of co-investment and follow-on funding secured by the most exciting new talent in mental health research. We have also had an enormous impact on the public perception and awareness of mental health through our wide-reaching campaigns, and by bringing our research to bear on calling for clear direction during the recent crisis.
As we enter this new strategic chapter of MQ’s continued growth, we have both taken lessons from the past and the research we have invested in, as well as looking to a future of new global uncertainty. We believe that by connecting the public and those with lived experience of mental illness with researchers and scientists, we can continue to see a breakthrough in policy, practice and lives transformed. Over the next five years, this will be the underpinning platform on which our work is carried out to see us reach a brighter future of good mental health for all.
You can watch a recording of MQ's strategy launch event here until 20th November 2020.
