A Heartfelt Expression of Gratitude: Celebrating Two Years of Anxious Minds

As we gather to commemorate the second anniversary of Anxious Minds, it is with profound gratitude and a sense of accomplishment that we reflect on the journey that has brought us to this momentous occasion. Tonight, we come together not just to celebrate our achievements, but to acknowledge the incredible network of support that has made our mission possible.

First and foremost, we extend our deepest and most sincere thanks to our esteemed patron, Denise Welch. Your unwavering commitment to mental health awareness and your dedication to our cause have been nothing short of inspirational. Denise, your personal experiences and your willingness to share them openly have helped break down barriers and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Your support of Anxious Minds has lent credibility to our efforts and has opened doors that might otherwise have remained closed. Your presence here tonight is a testament to your ongoing commitment, and we are truly honoured to have you as our patron.

We are equally grateful to BBC’s Anna Foster for her invaluable support. Anna, your role in bringing attention to mental health issues through your work in journalism has been crucial in raising awareness and fostering understanding. Your support of Anxious Minds, particularly in the context of this anniversary dinner, has helped to amplify our message and reach a wider audience. Your dedication to responsible reporting on mental health matters aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are thankful for your presence and support this evening.

However, as we celebrate these high-profile supporters, we must also recognise that Anxious Minds is built on the foundation of countless individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Our strength lies in the diverse tapestry of volunteers, each contributing their unique skills and passions to our cause.

To our dedicated team of designers, we express our heartfelt appreciation. Your creative talents have given visual form to our message, crafting logos, brochures, and promotional materials that capture the essence of Anxious Minds. Your work has helped us establish a strong, recognisable brand that resonates with those we seek to help. From the calming colour palettes to the thoughtful imagery, every design element you’ve created has contributed to making Anxious Minds more accessible and approachable to those in need.

To our PR volunteers, we owe a debt of gratitude for your tireless efforts in spreading our message. Your expertise in crafting compelling narratives and building relationships with media outlets has been instrumental in increasing our visibility. Through press releases, social media campaigns, and media appearances, you have helped us reach individuals who might otherwise never have known about the support available through Anxious Minds. Your ability to navigate the complex world of public relations has ensured that our voice is heard amidst the cacophony of modern media.

Our web developers deserve special recognition for their crucial role in creating and maintaining our digital presence. In today’s interconnected world, a strong online platform is essential for reaching those in need of support. Your technical skills have enabled us to create a website that serves as a welcoming virtual front door to Anxious Minds. The user-friendly interface, accessible resources, and seamless functionality you’ve implemented have made it possible for individuals to find help and information at any time of day or night. Your ongoing efforts to update and improve our online presence ensure that we remain at the forefront of digital mental health support.

To our volunteer video creators, we extend our appreciation for your ability to capture the essence of our work through the power of visual storytelling. Your short films, and promotional videos have brought to life the experiences of those living with anxiety and other mental health challenges. Through your lens, you have helped destigmatise mental health issues by presenting authentic, relatable stories that resonate with viewers. Your work has not only raised awareness but has also inspired hope in those who may be struggling, showing them that they are not alone and that support is available.

We are immensely grateful to our business mental health experts who have lent their professional knowledge to our cause. Your insights into workplace mental health have been invaluable in helping us develop programmes and resources tailored to the corporate environment. By bridging the gap between mental health support and the business world, you have helped us reach a demographic that is often overlooked in mental health discussions. Your expertise has enabled us to offer practical solutions for creating mentally healthy workplaces, benefiting both employees and employers alike.

To the extraordinary individuals who have pushed their physical limits to support Anxious Minds, we are in awe of your dedication. To those who have run marathons in our name, your every step has carried our message forward. The miles you’ve covered represent not just a physical journey, but a powerful statement about the importance of mental health awareness. Your perseverance in the face of physical challenges serves as an inspiration to those facing mental health struggles, demonstrating that with determination and support, great obstacles can be overcome.

Similarly, to the brave souls who have scaled mountains for our cause, we salute your courage and commitment. Your ascent to dizzying heights mirrors the uphill battle many face in their mental health journeys. By conquering these peaks, you’ve not only raised funds but also raised awareness, showing that with the right support and determination, even the most daunting challenges can be surmounted. Your adventures have captured imaginations and opened conversations about mental health in unexpected places.

These incredible feats of physical endurance – be they marathons or mountain climbs – have not only raised vital funds for Anxious Minds but have also served as powerful metaphors for the mental health journey. They remind us that the path to better mental health, like a marathon or a mountain climb, requires persistence, support, and the belief that the summit is attainable, even when it seems distant.

As we reflect on these diverse contributions, we are reminded that the strength of Anxious Minds lies in its community. Each volunteer, regardless of their role, forms an essential part of the support network we provide. From the individual who stuffs envelopes for our mailings to the professional who offers pro bono counselling services, every contribution is valued and vital to our mission.

It’s important to recognise that support comes in many forms, and we are grateful for all of them. For some, support means dedicating time and skills directly to our charity. For others, it means spreading awareness within their personal networks, sharing their own mental health experiences to help others feel less alone. Still others support us through financial contributions, enabling us to expand our services and reach more individuals in need.

As trustees and management of Anxious Minds, we are profoundly aware of the responsibility we bear. The trust placed in us by our supporters, volunteers and most importantly, by those who turn to us for help, is something we hold sacred. We strive every day to honour that trust by ensuring that Anxious Minds remains true to its mission of providing support, understanding and hope to those affected by anxiety and other mental health challenges.

Our journey over the past two years has been one of growth, learning, and ever-expanding impact. We have seen firsthand the difference that compassionate, accessible mental health support can make in people’s lives. From the individual who finds the courage to seek help for the first time, to the family that learns to support a loved one through their mental health challenges, to the workplace that implements mental health-friendly policies – each success story fuels our determination to do more.

As we look to the future, we are filled with a sense of both excitement and responsibility. The need for mental health support and awareness continues to grow, and with it, our commitment to meeting that need. We envision a future where mental health is given the same priority and openness as physical health, where seeking help for anxiety or depression is as natural and stigma-free as seeking treatment for a physical ailment.

To realise this vision, we know that the work of Anxious Minds must continue to evolve and expand. We are committed to staying at the forefront of mental health support, incorporating new research, technologies, and approaches to ensure that we are always providing the most effective and accessible help possible.

We also recognise the importance of continuing to build and strengthen our network of support. The contributions of each individual – whether they are running a marathon, offering professional expertise, or simply sharing our message with friends and family – are what make our work possible. We pledge to nurture these relationships, to provide opportunities for engagement, and to ensure that every supporter feels valued and integral to our mission.

Education and awareness will remain key priorities for Anxious Minds. We will continue to work tirelessly to break down the barriers of stigma and misunderstanding that still surround mental health issues. Through public speaking engagements, media appearances, and educational programmes, we will strive to create a more informed and compassionate society – one that understands mental health challenges and knows how to respond with empathy and support.

As we celebrate our achievements tonight, we also look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We know that the road to better mental health – both for individuals and for society as a whole – is long and sometimes difficult. But we also know that with the continued support of our incredible community, there is no limit to what we can achieve.

To everyone who has been a part of the Anxious Minds journey – our patron Denise Welch, BBC’s Anna Foster, our tireless volunteers, our generous donors and every individual who has reached out for help or offered support to others – we offer our most profound thanks. Your belief in our mission, your dedication to our cause, and your unwavering support have made these first two years of Anxious Minds possible.

As we blow out the candles on our anniversary cake tonight, we make a wish – not for ourselves, but for all those affected by anxiety and mental health challenges. We wish for a world where no one feels alone in their struggles, where help is always within reach, and where mental health is understood and prioritised by all.

With your continued support, we believe this wish can become a reality. Here’s to two years of progress, to the countless lives touched and changed, and to the bright future that lies ahead for Anxious Minds and for mental health awareness as a whole.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for being a part of this journey. Together, we are making a difference, one mind at a time.

On behalf of all the trustees and management of Anxious Minds, we extend our deepest gratitude and our commitment to continuing this vital work. Here’s to many more years of support, understanding, and hope.

Thank You

Eddie

Chief Executive

Anxious Minds