Calling – well, everyone! Mental health charity Black Minds Matter UK (BMMUK) is launching its biggest fundraiser ever and it couldn’t be easier to get involved. Starting today, the #BMMUK21K challenge is a 21-week campaign with the aim of finding 21,000 long-term donors, as well as raising awareness around issues of mental health and the important work the charity is doing. 

As part of the challenge, BMMUK is asking people to share five things that have helped their mental health during the pandemic and encourage others to do the same. Those who are able to support financially can also sign up to contribute £5 per month or make a one-off donation. The end of the 21 weeks will mark the one-year anniversary of BMMUK’s very first fundraising campaign. Supporting the challenge are the likes of Loyle Carner, Pandora Sykes, and Dazed 100 alum Joy Crookes, all of whom contributed to the campaign video.

“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,” says founder Agnes Mwakatuma. “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."

Amidst a deadly pandemic, Black Lives Matter protests, and the instances of racism and other forms of discrimination that Black people experience every day, it is vital to help Black people access mental health support. 

Since its founding last June, BMMUK has raised enough money to fund 1,200 courses of therapy. However, BMMUK’s waiting list is still in desperate need of funds. Over the last eight months, the charity has seen 2,600 people sign up to access mental health services, and numbers are still growing. 21,000 long-term donors, willing to donate £5 each month, will fund at least 1,500 courses of therapy a year. The donations will also allow BMMUK to fund and grow its team of employees.

For more information and to sign up for the challenge, visit the Black Minds Matter UK website or Instagram. Revisit our interview with Mwakatuma here.