Our mission

Our mission is simple: to make life better for people facing mental health problems. One in every four people in the UK experiences a mental health problem each year, and we believe that mental health is every bit as important as physical health. 

By working alongside our AWP colleagues, we are uniquely placed to find ways to help when people are going through tough times. We do this by providing money for projects that wouldn't otherwise be possible from NHS funding. The brilliant, imaginative ideas and passion come from Trust staff, and we are here to help make their ideas a reality.  

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we can enhance service users’ experiences, support their recovery and raise awareness of mental health across our communities. 

The strategic aims of our projects are guided by our service users, their carers and families, and AWP staff. We aim to: 

  • enhance our care environments – We make wards and settings more pleasant, comfortable and welcoming to help our service users relax. We provide specially adapted equipment and advanced facilities in settings for dementia, learning disabilities and other specific needs.  

  • provide additional recreational and therapeutic activities – Gardening, music, animal care and many other activities are key in helping people recover their mental wellbeing, keep active, rediscover enjoyment in hobbies, socialise and relax. We provide a range of opportunities to do this which wouldn't otherwise be possible from NHS funding. 

  • raise awareness and reduce the stigma of mental health problems – We go beyond treatment and work alongside NHS teams in schools, workplaces and local community groups to raise awareness of mental illness so that everyone can seek help and find the support they need. 

  • find new ways to improve services – NHS staff have a huge amount of energy, passion and experience, and we provide backing for them to test new concepts that promise to improve the way we help service users. By gathering evidence and creating, sharing and learning from best practice, these projects help to shape the future of mental healthcare in our Trust and beyond.

Our charitable model is to raise money to fund worthwhile projects within AWP, and staff can apply for funding to turn their ideas into reality. Please contact us to find out more about how to apply.

During the COVID pandemic, the majority of our funding came from the NHS Charities Together grants. The huge support from national fundraising efforts, including Captain Sir Tom Moore’s sponsored walk, helped fund some fantastic wellbeing projects to support staff and service users across the Trust. 

Staff chill out rooms 

Our staff chill out areas across the Trust have been improved thanks to funding. These rooms now benefit from various items to boost the specific wellbeing needs of staff, including comfortable seating and coffee machines.

Gym equipment 

Funding has helped provide new gym equipment for different sites across the Trust. Case studies have shown us that physical and mental wellbeing can be greatly improved when staff have access to gym equipment, and regular exercise helps to reduce stress, anxiety and improve self-esteem. The equipment provides a focus, structure and goal to exercise, as well as increasing enjoyment and motivation. 

Christmas cheer 

Funds have helped Headlight provide extra festive sparkle to brighten the Christmas period for inpatients of the Trust. For example, service users at one of our hospitals have benefited from small gifts, festive food treats and décor thanks to funding. 

Amblescroft South Gardening Project 

Amblescroft South has been supporting more patients with functional illness, such as depression and psychosis. We recognise the benefits of nature for service users, which is why we have used funding to create a walled garden adjoining the main lounge area.  

Donate 

A small initiative can make a massive difference to AWP’s service users, and the money you donate helps us achieve this.  

Donating online with JustGiving is simple, fast and secure. Please follow this JustGiving link to donate this way.

If you would like to donate by cheque, please make it payable to ‘Headlight Mental Health Charity’ and send it to Headlight, Bath NHS House, Newbridge Hill, Bath BA1 3QE.  

If you would like to deposit money into our charity’s bank account, please contact awp.headlightfundraising@nhs.net

There are many fun ways to fundraise with family, friends or work colleagues. To raise money for Headlight, you could: 

  • take on a personal challenge like a sponsored marathon, trek, bike ride or even a silence! 

  • ask your party-loving friends to pay to attend your murder mystery evening or ’80s-themed disco party. 

  • hold a bake sale, lunchtime car wash or dress-down day at your workplace in aid of Headlight. 

Pay just £50 when you raise £400 in sponsorship for us, and you will be making a difference in one of the most exhilarating ways. Jumps will be completed in tandem with a specialist instructor at GoSkyDive, so first-time jumpers are welcome. GoSkyDive are based in Salisbury, Wiltshire. For more info, visit the special GoSkyDive Headlight page.

Whatever you choose to do, the Headlight team are here to support you. Take a look below at some of the many ways you can further support your fundraising efforts: 

  • See our Fundraising Guide: A great place to start is with our helpful guide. View and download a PDF version here or email awp.headlightfundraising@nhs.net and we will send you a copy.  

  • Spread the word: Make sure you use social media, posters, flyers, email and the local press. Ask friends and colleagues if they can share on your behalf. 

  • Approach your employer: Many companies will match the money you raise or give you paid time off to volunteer. This could even double your total! 

‘Headlight’ means Headlight Mental Health Charity, registered charity number 1056576 in England and Wales, previously known as Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust Charitable Fund. Our registered offices are based at AWP Mental Health NHS Trust, Bath NHS House, Newbridge Hill, Bath BA1 3QE. 

If you have a question, fundraising idea, or if you just want to say hi, we'd love to hear from you. 

Write to us at: 

Headlight 

Bath NHS House 

Newbridge Hill 

Bath BA1 3QE 

Email us: awp.headlightfundraising@nhs.net

FUNDRAISING GUIDE BOOKLET.pdf
SPONSORSHIP FORM.pdf