Mental health charity launches national campaign to keep life-saving app free for all

A Liverpool-based mental health charity is calling on the public to get behind a new summer fundraising campaign to help protect a vital tool that’s helped hundreds of thousands of people find the mental health support they need.

Chasing the Stigma, the national charity founded by Liverpool mental health advocate Jake Mills, has today launched its ‘Summer of Hope’ campaign to raise awareness and funds for the Hub of Hope — the UK’s biggest and most-used mental health support app.

The campaign comes as usage of the app continues to rise at an incredible rate, with more than 300,000 people using the Hub of Hope last year alone — and projections suggesting that number could rise to over half a million by 2026.

And yet despite being relied on by more than 75 NHS trusts and over 50 government departments, the Hub of Hope receives no central government funding. The charity says it is now facing huge financial pressure just to keep the platform going — and is urging members of the public, community groups, workplaces and schools to help them keep it free and accessible for all.

Jake Mills, CEO of Chasing the Stigma, said:

“We created the Hub of Hope to make finding mental health support easier, faster and more accessible — and it’s doing exactly that. Every day, we hear from people who say it has genuinely saved their lives. But the truth is, the demand for it is growing and the support from official channels just isn’t there. We’re calling on the public to help us protect and grow this vital resource. If you’ve ever struggled, or know someone who has, this is your chance to make a real difference.”

A lifeline for thousands — but under threat

The Hub of Hope is the largest database of mental health support services in the UK. It connects people to more than 14,500 local, NHS, voluntary and independent support options based on their postcode and needs. Last year alone, it facilitated over a million support searches.

But despite its widespread use across health services and local authorities — and endorsements from medical professionals, celebrities and community leaders — the Hub of Hope receives no public funding. It currently relies on voluntary donations and support from forward-thinking organisations like Priory, which recently pledged its backing to the Summer of Hope campaign.

Rebekah Cresswell, Chief Executive of Priory, said:

“The Hub of Hope is a fantastic signposting tool that helps people find the right mental health support quickly. Early access to support is critical in preventing crisis — and that’s exactly what the Hub of Hope provides. We are proud to support this campaign and the incredible work being done by Chasing the Stigma.”

Why this matters right now

• Suicide remains the biggest killer of people under 35 in the UK, including over 200 children last year
• 7,055 people died by suicide in the UK last year — the highest figure since 1999
• 75% of those had no contact with any mental health services in the year before their death
• One million young people are currently on NHS mental health waiting lists — with 39% waiting more than two years for help

The Hub of Hope is helping bridge the gap — especially for young people and those who don’t know where to turn. Its newly expanded youth support pathway now connects users to nearly 5,000 specialist services for children and young adults, offering a crucial alternative when NHS referrals are delayed or unavailable.

With filters now in place for conditions like ADHD, autism, addiction and bereavement, the app is continuing to evolve based on what users need most — but that takes time, people and money.

Jake added:

“The data is there. We know this app works. But we can’t keep it going without real support. If everyone who has used or recommended the app gave just a small amount, we could keep the Hub of Hope growing and reaching even more people.”

How you can help create a ‘Summer of Hope’

Chasing the Stigma is inviting the public to get involved in a number of ways this summer:

• Set up a birthday fundraiser on Facebook
• Join the Club of Hope by starting a regular monthly donation
• Take on a fun challenge like a sponsored walk, inflatable 5K or colour run using the hashtag #ChallengeTheStigma
• Organise a workplace challenge — raise £1,000 as a team of 10
• Donate directly — just £5 helps 5 people access support through the app

Every pound counts. Every action helps someone who might be struggling to feel seen, heard and supported.

To take part in the campaign or to donate, visit www.chasingthestigma.co.uk

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