The Importance of Mental Health Fundraising

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, experts have described Australia as facing a “mental health crisis”. With the latest figures showing that 43.7% of people aged 16 - 85 years have suffered from a mental health disorder, there’s a chance that you, or someone you know, need support.

Unfortunately, accessing support for mental health can be hard. Many sufferers either don’t know they need help or don’t know how to ask for it. And even when they are ready to reach out, there can be a financial barrier preventing them from accessing the level of care they need.

Mental health fundraising is a great way to support charities and individuals to access the mental health care they need.

Mental Health Facts

• Over two in five Australians aged 16-85 years have experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life - that’s 8.6 million people.
• 3.3 million Australians suffered from anxiety in a 12-month period.
• Young people are suffering the most - 39.6% of 16-24 year olds had a mental disorder in 2020-21.
• Young females have a higher incidence of mental disorders - 46.6% of females compared to 31.2% of males.
• Less than half (47.1%) of people with a mental disorder in 2020-21 saw a health professional for their mental health.
• The most common mental health disorders in Australia are:
  • Anxiety disorders (16.6%) - examples include panic attacks, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), social phobia and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
  • Affective disorders (7.5%) - examples include depressive episodes, Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder) and Bipolar Affective Disorder.
  • Substance Use disorders (3.3%) - examples include Harmful Use of Alcohol, Alcohol Dependence and Drug Use Disorders.

Source: ABS National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing

Raising funds for Mental Health Charities

Mental Health Fundraising for charities can help to raise funds and awareness for their causes. Many deserving Australian charities desperately need your support to keep making a difference. 

Some charities, such as Beyond Blue, Headspace and Lifeline provide support, counselling services and medical treatment to people suffering from mental health disorders.

Other charities, such as SANE and Black Dog Institute are also conducting essential research into mental health to advance how we recognise and treat various disorders.

Running a crowdfunding campaign for a mental health charity is a great way to make a real difference. Give us a call, or get started online today. 

Raising funds for individuals facing Mental Health issues

The impact of mental health disorders on individuals can be devastating. Often, someone suffering can become socially isolated and unable to work. Mental Health Fundraising for an individual is a great way to show someone that you care and relieve the financial stress they are facing at the same time.

Ideas for Mental Health Fundraising

Mental Health Fundraising can be as much about awareness and support as it is about funds. Below are some ideas to help you support people with mental health disorders.

1.Social media challenge

Social media has established itself as a powerful tool for creating change and awareness. To run a successful social media challenge, think of an attention-grabbing hashtag and make sure you’re not asking participants to achieve the impossible!

You should also include a link to your crowdfunding campaign so that participants and viewers can also donate to your cause.

2. Gala dinner

Hosting a gala dinner can raise a lot of money for your cause. It is also the perfect opportunity to invite guest speakers to talk to your attendees about mental health causes, and the specific charity or individual the event is in aid of. 

3. Self-care promotion

Proper self-care can be an effective tool in preventing or managing some mental health disorders. Use social media, a blog or even a newsletter to help promote proper self-care. Some ideas include mindfulness activities like colouring, meditation, nature walks or journaling. You can invite your readers to contribute by sharing their favourite self-care activity and start a conversation about the importance of looking after our mental health and well-being.

4. Crowdfunding

Setting up a crowdfunding campaign is quick, easy and completely free. Using your crowdfunding platform’s in-built features, you can easily share stories, videos and photos, as well as send emails, SMS and social media updates to your supporters. 

Now, you can raise even more by giving supporters the option to donate to your Mental Health Fundraising campaign without spending a cent by using Switch and Donate.

5. School programs

Education is the best way to make a lasting change. Talking to Australia’s youth allows them to learn more about mental health and well-being, and become comfortable with talking about the subject and asking for help if they need it. By raising money for organisations such as Headspace, you can help to support their school programs.

6. Workplace programs

Historically, it’s been hard to speak up about mental health in the workplace. Luckily, there has been a shift in the way companies support the mental health of their workers, but there is still more progress to be made. Raising money for charities such as Black Dog Institute can help to provide workplace mental health training to support workers and promote positive mental well-being.

7. Community event

Schools, churches, sports clubs, or any other community you are part of, can be activated to support a great cause or a person in need. Running a community event is a great way to gather support. Consider a bake sale, raffle, morning tea or craft fair to bring the community together.

8. Story sharing

One of the hardest parts of suffering from a mental health disorder can be finding the courage to speak out and find help. By sharing your own story on your crowdfunding page, you can inspire others and give them the strength to speak up. This small act could make a huge difference to someone else.

Start a crowdfunding campaign for Mental Health

If you would like to raise money for a deserving cause, or support someone who needs a helping hand, start a crowdfunding campaign and make a difference. 

The icause team are experts in running successful fundraising campaigns - drop us a line or get started online today.