Which mental health charity should I give to?

Seedling Giving's analysis on how to identify high quality mental health charities.

Introduction

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the prevalence of mental health issues in Australia. Almost one in five Australians experiences mental illness each year.[1] Suicide rates have been on the rise since the mid-2000s, claiming the lives of over 3,000 Australians annually.[2] Moreover, intentional self-harm cases have surged, particularly among females aged 15-19, with hospitalizations doubling between 2010 and 2021 for this group.[3] The impact of mental ill-health extends far beyond the individual, affecting physical and mental well-being, educational and employment prospects, relationships, and overall life satisfaction. Despite ongoing government efforts to address these issues, the Australian mental health system grapples with persistent challenges, as highlighted in the Productivity Commission Inquiry Report into Mental Health.[4] Issues plaguing the current mental health system include:

• Failure to assess an individual's specific recovery needs and identify the best-suited support.
• Inadequate investment in prevention and early intervention.
• Overemphasis on clinical services, neglecting the vital roles of caregivers, family, kinship groups, and social support service providers.
• Challenges for individuals in finding and accessing suitable support.
• Suboptimal delivery and resourcing of support services.
• Enduring stigma and discrimination.
• Dysfunctional funding approaches.
• Lack of clarity among government tiers regarding roles, responsibilities, and funding allocation.

Amidst these challenges, a growing number of charitable organisations in Australia are dedicated to supporting individuals facing mental health issues. This guide assists you in choosing a mental health charity for your donations, ensuring that your contributions have the greatest possible impact. The three major considerations covered are: what kind of intervention do you want to support, who is the audience of the intervention and how to ensure the charity you give to is high quality.?

Areas for Intervention

Mental health charities in Australia typically specialize in specific areas of intervention, including research, prevention, treatment, and awareness:

• Research: These charities focus on investigating the prevalence of mental health disorders, identifying potential risk factors, and developing treatment strategies.
• Prevention: Charities in this category work on understanding the leading causes of mental illness and developing programs to reduce the likelihood of its onset, including factors like sleep, nutrition, and physical activity.
• Treatment: These organizations provide counseling, programs, and retreats to help individuals currently experiencing mental health challenges.
• Awareness: Charities that aim to educate the public about the importance of maintaining mental health, recognizing warning signs of distress, and offering mental health first-aid training.

Audience for Intervention

Given the wide spectrum of mental health conditions, charities often choose to focus on specific niches or target audiences. These may include:

• Mental Health Problems: Specialized support for individuals dealing with specific mental health problems, such as psychosis, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, child behavioral disorders, eating disorders, or substance use disorders.
• Age Groups: Some charities concentrate their efforts on children, youth, the elderly, or new parents.
• Demographic Markers: Certain demographic groups experience higher rates of mental illness, benefiting from tailored therapy. Mental health charities may prioritize specific groups like LGBTQI individuals, Indigenous Australians, members of the Defense Force, or disabled individuals.
• Location: Mental illness can be more prevalent in certain geographic areas. Local charities can respond to the limitations of services within their unique location, providing the context-based solutions.

Evaluating Charity Quality

Before making a donation, it's crucial to ensure that a charity effectively fulfills its mission. Conduct due diligence by:

• Verifying that the charity spends funds as described.
• Assessing the qualifications and experience of its leadership and staff.
• Evaluating the charity's approach to addressing mental health issues to ensure it is effective and aligned with your values.

For additional guidance on charity due diligence, refer to Seedling Giving’s free resource, "12 Things You Must Know Before Donating to Any Charity."

Conclusion

Mental illness is a growing concern in Australia, and while government initiatives are in place, observable gaps persist, and progress can be slow. By donating to a high-quality mental health charity, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those grappling with mental health challenges today. Your contribution can help bridge the existing gaps and offer hope to individuals in need.?

Keep Reading - Download the Giving Report here: Seedling Giving Cause Area Guide - Mental Health Charities

References

[1] Productivity Commission. (2023). Mental Health, Report No. 95, Volume 1. Australian Government. Retrieved from https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/mental-health/report/mental-health-volume1.pdf[2] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Suicide and Self-Harm Monitoring. Australian Government. Available at https://www.aihw.gov.au/suicide-self-harm-monitoring/data/intentional-self-harm-hospitalisations/intentional-self-harm-hospitalisations-by-age-sex[3] Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2022). National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/mental-health/national-study-mental-health-and-wellbeing/2020-21[4] Productivity Commission. (2023). Mental Health, Report No. 95, Volume 1. Australian Government. Retrieved from https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/mental-health/report/mental-health-volume1.pdf