Black Minds Matter UK Launch 21K Donor Challenge #BMMUK21K

Mental health charity Black Minds Matter UK (BMMUK) are raising the bar this year, by launching their biggest fundraising campaign yet.

The #BMMUK21K challenge – that was launched today- will last 21 weeks with an aim to find 21,000 long term donors. Donors will sign up to contribute £5 per month and help change the face of Black mental health in the UK forever. There is also a ‘one time’ option for those looking to contribute on a one-off basis. 

The end of the 21 weeks will mark the one-year anniversary of BMMUK’s very first fundraising campaign. 

The challenge will see people share 5 things that has helped their mental health during the pandemic and will encourage others to do the same by tagging them. By doing so, BMMUK hope to spread the word on their work and their ambitious goal for the next 21 weeks.

Since their founding in June 2020, BMMUK have raised enough to fund 1200 courses of therapy, with 500 people already accessing their sessions, and 700 more who will soon be able to begin their healing journey. 

However, their waiting list is still in desperate need of funds. Since launching, BMMUK has seen 2600 people sign up to access BMMUK’s mental health services, and numbers are still growing. 21,000 long term donors, willing to donate £5 each month will fund at least 1500 courses of therapy a year. The donations will also allow BMMUK to fund and grow their team of employees.

In the lead up to the campaign, BMMUK launched their first ever survey which saw over 1000 BPOC people partake. Results show that 61% of participants experience racism or microaggressions every month, with 21% of those experiencing these every week. Proving that there is much more to be done when it comes to understanding the traumatic impact on mental health due to racism in the UK.

Celebs such as Loyle Carner, Pandora Sykes, Hussain Manawar and Joy Crookes, have been involved with creating the campaign’s promo video and supporting the cause. 

Speaking on the project, Agnes Mwakatuma, founder of BMMUK says – 

“We are beyond excited to get the 21K challenge underway. The campaign is going to be crucial in ensuring that BMMUK can create a lasting impact on the face of Black mental health and help as many individuals as possible. Over the last year we have seen an exceptional number of people reach out which just goes to show how needed safe spaces are, and how fundamental adequate support is.  We all know that managing our mental health is a long-term process, so our cause is a mission that requires long term donors. We’re incredibly excited for what’s to come and to grow our wonderful Black Minds Matter UK community.”

For more information visit https://www.blackmindsmatteruk.com/ or https://www.instagram.com/ to follow their journey and/or sign up to the challenge.

Source: Black Minds Matter UK (BMMUK)

  #BMMUK21K, Agnes Mwakatuma, Black Minds Matter, BMM UK, Hussain Manawar and Joy Crookes, Loyle Carner, Pandora Sykes