Supporting Pride causes throughout June and beyond

At Co-op, we’re proud to support local (or LGBTQ+) causes all year round. Berny Simcox, CEO of The Wild Mind Project, a Co-op Local Community Fund cause, explains how her project supports young LGBTQ+ people and why Co-op support makes such a difference

After seeing the difficulties young people were experiencing with mental health, I set up The Wild Mind Project in 2019. Our aim is to support young people who are struggling with mental health, be that depression, anxiety or any other mental health diagnosis. 

The need for LGBTQ+ support

When I first set up The Wild Mind Project, sessions were aimed at all young people who needed support with their wellbeing. We quickly discovered that the majority who attended identified as LGBTQ+. So we wanted to run dedicated LGBTQ+ groups that allow us to talk openly about a range of issues from transitioning to dealing with homophobia.

We’ve also seen first-hand how the Covid lockdowns have impacted the mental health of the LGBTQ+ community. As we work with 13- to 25-year-olds, a third haven’t told their families, and a third are also rejected by their families when they do come out, so they feel even more isolated. Because we offer a safe space to talk, these young people rely on us. They’re often young people who have little self-esteem or confidence. This can be the first place they feel safe, comfortable and loved.

The importance of getting outside

We run two-hour sessions with groups of 13- to 25-year-olds and get out into nature. We do various activities, from deer watching and mindful walks, to gardening and observing local wildlife. Over the last couple of decades, we’ve seen the positive impact nature has on us – if you measure stress levels, nature relaxes us. All the sounds and smells are calming. And we can all feel the benefits when we’re outside.

The second part of our sessions is devoted to creative skills. Most importantly, this gives the group something to do with their hands while we discuss their individual and collective mental health struggles. We’re aware we’re not therapists; instead, we call ourselves ‘elders’ and we’re there as someone to talk to in a safe space, who can guide the conversation along so no one feels isolated or alone. It’s like a lightbulb goes off in their head as you hear them say ‘That’s how I feel!’.

The value of Co-op Membership support

We’re a non-profit organisation, and support from Co-op’s Local Community Fund helps us to run these sessions. We’re thrilled by the amount the Co-op Local Community Fund has already raised for us in London.

Co-op’s support helps us in all sorts of areas. As well as allowing us to run extra sessions, it’s also meant we can buy logs and blankets for the sessions that take place in the colder months, which we’re especially grateful for when it snows! It’s extra bits like these that are so beneficial, and have made a huge difference to what we do.

Giving back to the community

Through our sessions, be it gardening or other activities, we’re giving back to the community spaces we use in West London and Brighton.

Our work, supported by Co-op, is also making people more aware of the LGBTQ+ community. If our young people then go out and work in other charitable organisations, based on the connections we’ve given them, it mixes everyone up and allows them to see new points of view, and there’s a real value in that.

As a small organisation, we don’t have the resources to do everything, but we would love to be involved in more Pride events. That’s another reason why the money from Co-op is so important; it’s not tied to anything specific, so we can choose how we invest in the future.

By becoming a Co-op Member and choosing a local cause like The Wild Mind Project, you can help support organisations like ours around the country.

Find out how Co-op supports other LGBTQ+ causes by watching our video with Robert Mae, founder of local cause, Out in the Bay.

Be a part of the Local Community Fund

Applications are currently open for the Local Community Fund until Midnight 12 June. If you’re making a difference in your local community, we want to support groups who are looking to deliver projects that;

•  bring people together to access food
•  improve people’s mental wellbeing
•  create opportunities for young people to be heard and make a difference
•  help protect biodiversity or tackle climate change through carbon reduction.

Apply at coop.co.uk/causes.

When applying for the fund, you’ll join our online community centre, Co-operate. This provides support beyond funding. You can find volunteers, read ‘how to’ guides and gather further donations. It’s free for everyone to use – even if your funding application is not successful.