MKTG help launch London’s first mental health drop-in centre at local Soup Kitchen
On Wednesday 26th June, after 2 years of planning, the Whitfield St Soup Kitchen launched their mental health drop-in facility, led by MKTG.
The brands housed within The Qube (MKTG, Posterscope, PSI, Liveposter) have volunteered at their local Soup Kitchen on Whitfield Street for the past few years, where employees use their CSR days to prepare and serve food to London’s most needy.
The Whitfield Soup Kitchen is one of many in London helping to overcome the extraordinary problem of homelessness in one of the richest cities in the world. However, mental illness is a significant issue amongst those who come to the kitchen. Being both a cause and consequence of homelessness, those with mental health issues are less likely to be in touch with health services.
Since 2017, the Qube has held various fundraisers to raise £30,000 to construct London’s first mental health drop-in centre, and hire a mental health professional, providing free advice and support to London’s homeless.
Despite several challenges along the way, including building planning permission and ensuring adherence to NHS polices, last night (Wednesday 26th June) marked the launch event. Speeches on the importance of mental health and wellbeing were given by Simon Gunning, CEO of CALM, Alex Brown, Director of the Soup Kitchen, and Michael Brown, Managing Director of MKTG. This was then followed by a charity raffle, with all proceeds going towards the Soup Kitchen. Guests were also able to contribute to a graffiti wall, providing a colourful display outside the consultation room.
The launch of the mental health facility received fantastic trade and national coverage, including Campaign Magazine, My London and a slot on ITV news.
To find out more about the Soup Kitchen, or to donate, click here: https://www.chuffed.org/project/soup-saver-mental-health-action
