It’s been a year since we lost a much-loved member of our team, a friend to all of us during the time he worked at YourParkingSpace, and a best friend to the few who worked with him for years before his time at the company.
This unexpected loss hit our team in ways we didn’t expect and in ways we didn’t necessarily understand at such a raw time. But as we navigated through the waves of emotions, what we learned was that mental illness can impact any one at any time, and that talking about these struggles can be life changing - in some cases – life saving.
Our decision to partner with Mental Health Innovations was made as a team. We knew that supporting a mental health charity that opens lines of communication through new applications of technology was a perfect fit and learning about the text messaging support service Shout 85258 was the kind of digital innovation we wanted to get behind.
So, who are Mental Health Innovations?
Mental Health Innovations (MHI) is a tech-based mental health charity which uses digital innovation, data-driven analysis, and the experience of clinical experts to provide support and resources for those suffering with mental health in the UK. 6,293 trained volunteers and 84 staff have had over 800,000 text conversations to date.
A shared vision for digital innovation
MHI has developed their first product called Shout 85258, a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone struggling to cope. Through data insights, Mental Health Innovations apply data insights from the service to both refine the service and develop innovative new digital tools to support the mental health of the UK population.
What will this partnership look like for both YourParkingSpace and Mental Health Innovations?
Our goal at YourParkingSpace is to raise awareness and funds for the brilliant Shout 85258 service. Through internal fundraising and tapping in to our personal and parking communities, we hope to reach anyone that is experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, suicidal or overwhelming thoughts and needs immediate support.
Speaking about the partnership, Victoria Hornby, CEO of Mental Health Innovations, the charity behind Shout 85258 said:
“We are absolutely delighted to be partnered with YourParkingSpace and are so grateful for your support. The funds you are raising will enable us to provide a vital mental health lifeline to even more UK children, young people and adults when they need it most, through our free, 24/7 text service.”
Instead of a comment from our directors, we decided to put forward a collective statement. Team YourParkingSpace comments:
“This partnership captures an extremely special place in our hearts, and we are so proud to be supporting Mental Health Innovations reach anyone searching for a lifeline. Overcoming the stigma of mental illness will make our society a better place and give the world an opportunity to experience the life of - and learnings from - the strongest of us who overcome such dark days because of support being more accessible and acceptable. No feeling is final. We miss you, Harry.”