Mind Opens New Carnaby Street Charity Shop for Mental Health Awareness and Sustainable Fashion

With an estimated 1 in 4 people experiencing a mental health problem each year, the quest for better mental health has never been more prevalent. Mental health matters, yet we only seem to celebrate it on World Mental Health Day. What about the other 364 days that are left in the year? Shouldn’t mental health be just as important then? Lifestyle blogger Ana De-Jesus headed over to the launch of Mind Carnaby, the leading mental health charity’s first permanent charity shop in the area, to discover more…

In England alone, 1 in 6 people have mental health issues like anxiety, and depression. In fact statistics show 74% of UK adults feel so stressed that they become overwhelmed, and unable to cope. A further 32% of adults have said that they have experienced suicidal feelings because of stress. That’s why Mind was created. To improve the lives of people with mental health issues, without judgement. Thanks to their charity shops, public campaigns, government lobbying and 1000+ services Mind has been at the pinnacle of cutting-edge mental health support. 

Every Item Sold Fights For Mental Health

Now more than ever, people need charities like Mind. Our massively underfunded mental health system has been negatively impacted by the cost-of-living crisis. With longer waiting times, less resources available, and a decline in mental health, supporting Mind is crucial. One of the oldest mental health charities in the UK, the NEW Carnaby location (just off Carnaby Street) is sustainable, affordable, and unique. 

Covering the opening on behalf of hyper local publication My Soho Times, I got a sneak preview of Mind X Carnaby’s launch event earlier this week. 8 Ganton Street was bustling with eager shoppers, press, media, and board members. At the door I was greeted with a glass of champagne, and presented with a Mind Goody Bag, that included a copy of their members magazine, a Kate Spade Purse, and a stunning bracelet. Once inside, I was encouraged to look around the two floors, and donate to charity, if I wanted.

Although Mind’s shops have been on the high street for 60 years, this is the first of its kind in Carnaby. Samantha Bain-Mollison, the retail director at Shaftesbury shared;

 “We are so excited to welcome Mind to Carnaby. This will be the first permanent Mental Health charity shop in the destination, and we are happy to be supporting such a worthy cause. We are confident the concept will help raise awareness for mental health alongside generating funding for their life saving services.”

The 563 sq ft two floor store is not just raising money for mental health, but its teaching consumers to be more sustainable too. Housing a curated collection of preloved vintage, and designer stock, brands including Vivienne Westwood, Kate Spade, Moschino, and Burberry are on offer. At a reduced price, designer goods are being given a second lease of life. 

With new stock being added to the shelves each day, no two shopping experiences will be the same. Upstairs, a selection of preloved trousers, dresses, coats, tops, and accessories are available to purchase. There are oak wood floors across both levels, while neon lighting illuminates’ chic displays. Downstairs, there is a cosy lobby, with retro vinyl’s, colourful interiors, and plants galore. To the left, a vibrant pink changing room, allowed me to try on my unique finds. 

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The first, a gorgeous faux fur mint green coat, the second a stunning floral red, yellow and white maxi dress, with cut-out detailing. Finding a green coat in autumn seemed almost impossible, so Mind had made me incredibly happy. At just £40, the vintage pre-loved coat was a steal. The dress on the other hand, gave me all the Frida Kahlo vibes that I needed, for just £35. 

The plethora of colours in Mind X Carnaby was joyful. A fuchsia pink baguette textured handbag, danced with a Kate Spade red cherry bag. A sage green pair of trousers, and a navy blazer. An 80’s style orange ruched prom dress, and a blue geometric 60’s dress. The mismatch of colours, textures, and prints made for a wonderfully aesthetic charity shop. Even for someone who wasn’t a maven of colour like me, there really was something for everyone. 

Mind’s commitment to the community, the planet and the fight for better mental health is clear here. As you roam around the store, there are holistic reminders. A slogan on the wall that reads ‘Breathe, 1,2,3’. A blue placard that affirms the clothes are ‘good for you, good for the planet’. Another that says, ‘every item sold supports the fight against mental health’. 

We all know that shopping second hand has a hugely positive social and environmental impact. Not only does it reduce carbon emissions, but it also saves a lot of resources, water, and energy. Yet shopping second hand at Mind, also supports the team of dedicated volunteers, and staff to keep the shop running. 

All the shop’s profit goes to support Mind, for instance by helping the charity deliver support in local communities via its network of local Minds, or to fund vital advice and support services such as the Mind Infoline. With the average bag of items donated to Mind Shops being worth around £30, this could help 45 people find hope during tough times on Mind’s online peer support community. Side by Side or help Mind send out 250 information booklets, so people who are struggling with their mental health can make sense of what they are going through and find ways to cope.

Andrew Vale, Managing Director of Retail at Mind, seems to agree;

“The pandemic has had a devastating effect on the nation’s mental health, and the cost-of-living crisis is already making things worse. We are in the midst of a mental health crisis and that’s why your support is needed now more than ever. When you make a purchase in our shop you are helping to fund mental health services”

As someone who is diagnosed with Depression, and Anxiety, it was an honour to be a part of Mind’s historic opening. I believe in better mental health for all, regardless of who you are or where you come from. Given that I have been in and out of therapy for the past four years, supporting Mind’s mission to make sure that no one feels alone is so important. Especially with the rising costs of living in the UK, and its impact on our emotional wellbeing. 

So how you can you support Mind? 

Donate clothes and accessories: 

I regularly donate to my local Mind shop, and I encourage you to do the same. No matter how big or small, your donation could make a huge difference. Carnaby Mind shop is pleased to accept clothing and accessories. To find out more about making donations, visit: mind.org.uk/supportyourshop 

Shop at Mind: 

They add new items of stock to their shelves every day. That means, if I went back next week, I would have a completely different shopping escapade. Buying second hand is better for you, the planet, and for mental health!

Do good and volunteer: 

Whether you have one hour to spare, or want to work part-time, volunteer at Mind today. It’s a great act of kindness that can boost your confidence, help you make new friends, and even give you a new career. 

Pop by and visit the shop below for your chance to make a difference. 

Need Support?

If you or a loved one are in need of mental health support Mind has a confidential information and support line, Mind Infoline, available on 0300 123 3393 (lines open 9am – 6pm, Monday – Friday). 

Words and photography by Ana De-Jesus | Faded Spring. *Mental Health statistics from Mentalhealth.org.

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