Guernsey Mind and Mind Jersey have established a new collaborative initiative called ‘Channel Islands in Partnership’, which aims to secure joint funding and increase engagement with businesses and organisations across both islands.
The charities are aiming to create combined opportunities for corporate social responsibility and investment that spans the Channel Islands.
Despite the goals of collaboration, both Guernsey Mind and Mind Jersey will remain independent and retain their respective accreditations under the Mind Quality Mark.
A core focus of the partnership is to reach individuals with long-term mental illnesses who may currently be underserved or “invisible” within the community.
Guernsey Mind said the current funding environment was a regular hurdle.
Chief Executive Jo Cottell said funding was “increasingly challenging, and we know local businesses and organisations want to make a difference”.
“By joining forces, we can create meaningful opportunities for investment that benefit both islands while continuing to deliver the services our communities rely on,” she added.
Meanwhite, Mind Jersey have highlighted a specific concern regarding health inequalities.
Executive Director Dr Patricia Tumelty said: “We have been concerned for some time about the health inequalities across our beautiful islands, especially for people with long-term mental illness who are often invisible.
“This partnership is about building on our shared values and finding innovative ways to reach more people across the Channel Islands.”
She said both charities remained “independent”, but by working together the two charities could “increase our impact across our islands’ communities”.