Mental Health Resource, a UK-based charity organisation in Tunbridge Wells that has been providing essential mental health support to residents across West Kent and Maidstone since 1995, announced it will close on 30 January 2026 after more than 30 years of providing free support services.
The charity was established in 1993 as Tunbridge Wells Mental Health Resource (TWMHR), opening its first dedicated hub in Grosvenor Park in 1995 with funding from Kent County Council and a Mental Health Capital Grant.
Over the years, the charity became a vital lifeline for people experiencing mental and emotional health challenges, providing support groups, wellbeing activities, peer support, and one-to-one care.
The organisation has been praised for its person-centred approach and for helping thousands of local people realise they are not alone in their struggles, but unfortunately, their long-standing, generous services are to be shut down due to unfortunate circumstances.
Funding Challenges and Staff Impact
The charity cited rising costs and dwindling funding as the primary reasons for the closure. Despite recording an income of £483,176 and expenses of £456,730 in the 2024 financial year, Mental Health Resource was unable to secure sufficient funding to sustain its services.
The charity employs 15 staff, including 11 full-time equivalent employees, of whom only one may transfer to another organisation, leaving 10 facing redundancy.
“For over 30 years, our services have only been made possible through funding from local authority contracts, charitable trusts and foundations, and the generosity of local organisations and individuals,” the charity said in a statement.
“Recently, however, it has become increasingly difficult to secure sufficient funding to sustain our services.
In a statement, the trustees explained that while their services were made possible through local authority contracts, charitable trusts, foundations, and community generosity, recent reductions in funding left no viable path forward.
They emphasised that every alternative had been explored before arriving at the difficult decision to close the organisation.
Legacy and Continuing Support
Mental Health Resource expressed immense pride in its 30-year legacy, acknowledging the dedication of its team and the support of volunteers, corporate partners, funders, and the local community.
Reflecting on its history, the charity highlighted its significant impact in the region, from helping early clients with severe and enduring mental health conditions to becoming a trusted hub for free professional support, advocacy, and wellbeing activities.
“Our heartfelt thanks go to our incredible team, whose dedication and compassion have been the heart of Mental Health Resource,” the charity said.
While the news marks the end of an era for local mental health care, the charity remains committed to assisting those affected during the closure process.
The charity runs support groups that allow individuals to speak openly about their mental health challenges and connect with others facing similar experiences, helping them realise they are not alone.
As a local organisation plans to shut down, they promised to work closely with other service providers in West Kent, sharing information and coordinating efforts to address mental health issues more effectively and provide comprehensive support to those in need.
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