CITY-based mental health charity Improving Lives has launched an inspiring video entitled ‘We’re Nottingham; Stronger Together’ showcasing the impact of its services as it appeals for new funding partners in the run-up to Christmas.

The charity, which supports people experiencing social isolation and long-term mental health conditions, has produced the video in partnership with an independent Nottingham filmmaker.

The charity offers person-centred support, tailored to an individual’s needs and actively works with people who use the service to work towards their goals. By providing one to one support and a range of group-based social activities Improving Lives has the potential to positively alter someone’s life.

The video was produced as a showcase of the charity’s small but vital service and is hoped to increase charitable donations in the lead-up to Christmas, following the news that they are facing a significant reduction in funding as previous support from the National Lottery comes to an end.

The charity is now working hard to build more corporate partnerships, earlier in the year they produced a new fundraising pack that is available to download and is appealing for fundraising efforts by the local business community. Like many charities helping those with mental health issues, Improving Lives has seen an increase in the number of people struggling to cope because of the pandemic.

Kerry Devine, Interim Chief Executive at Improving Lives, said:

“We are very proud and moved by the video that has been produced. When you have a team that supports so many people with such varied needs it’s very difficult to sum up in just a couple of minutes, but I hope it gives a flavour of our commitment to supporting the people who need us. Our services are vital for many people in the city and to have a resource that we can share with Nottingham to demonstrate our impact is essential.

“Mental health provision in Nottingham is needed now more than ever, but what we currently offer will not be sustainable in the new year due to a lack of funding. In the past 2 years, we have experienced an average of a 55% increase in referrals year on year which is a significant number of people.

“It has been a huge challenge for the people we support, and our team has risen to it. Since the lockdown in March 2020, we have offered support to 312 people, which is more than double the amount we are funded for. In the last month alone we’ve supported 164 people. That is why we are hoping that this video can inspire potential donors and partners to join us in protecting Nottingham’s most vulnerable residents.

“We would urge people to please consider helping us to bridge the financial gap we’re facing. We hope to build connections with more businesses who can engage with us as much or as little as they would like, it’s really about working together for our community ensuring that we continue to care for people in need and that no one is left in isolation.

Ex-Service user and current volunteer, Waseem, said: 

“Improving Lives has helped me by giving me the basic skills on how to survive each day. After coming out of prison, I didn’t have very much support, and my support worker helped me get back on track. It was a lot of work and yet they gave me everything I needed”.

Kerry added:

“This winter, Waseem, and many other people just like him could be left without our service, not to mention those additional people that would have been referred to us. I don’t think as a city we can stand by and watch that happen.”

To discover how you can get involved with Improving Lives or to make a donation, please visit: https://www.improvinglivesnotts.org.uk/, email info@improvinglivesnotts.org.uk or call 0115 934 8411.