Become a Community Champion

“Turn your passion into hope—because together, we can make sure no one faces mental illness alone.”

Help keep peer support groups open and create new ones where they’re needed most. Your fundraising makes a real difference for people living with mental illness and their families.

What You’re Supporting

108 active peer support groups across England
12 new groups in development (& we want more)
Supporting over 1,000 people every year
These volunteer-led groups are lifelines—safe spaces to share experiences, learn coping strategies, and reduce isolation.

Make a difference in 3 easy steps

Every pound raised helps someone find connection and hope.

1 Sign Up

Create your free fundraising page in minutes.

2. Add Your Photo & Story

Add your profile image and your story then share your page with family ,friends etc.

3. Share Your Page

Spread the word on social media, email, and with friends.
Shout out: You’re officially a Community Champion!

What You’ll Get

Your Fundraising Tool Kit

  • ✅ Your own personal fundraising page
  • 👕 A free Rethink Community Champion T-shirt (min £50 raised)
  • 🔓 Access to the Community Champions Fundraising Hub — packed with ideas, resources and support to bring your ideas to life.
  • 📑 Free fundraisng guide
  • 🎗1 to1 Fundraising Support

Fundraising that changes lives in your community

When you become a Community Champion, every pound you raise helps people living with mental illness in your community. Youll be supporting vital support groups and helping us to create new ones right where you live— safe, welcoming spaces that bring people together to connect, share experiences, and find hope together.

Many of these groups are run by volunteers with lived experience, offering understanding that only comes from those who’ve been there. They’re lifelines for many — places of comfort, friendship, and recovery there at the point of need no long waiting lists.

We receive no government funding for this vital work. That means your fundraising — whether it’s a bake sale, fun run, or quiz night — directly keeps these liflines open and helps new ones grow in communities across England.

By fundraising locally, you’re giving people in your community a reason to hope and a place to belong.

“The fundraising hub gave me so many ideas — I ended up doing a bake sale and a quiz night!”
— Leanne, Community Champion from Sheffield

Fundraise today and support mental health in your own community.

“There was a lot of hope” – Andrew’s story

Andrew has been attending our Wiltshire Hearing Voices group after struggling with voice-hearing and unusual beliefs. He shares how the group’s welcoming and supportive environment has helped him to live a more peaceful life.

Frequently Asked Questions

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FAQs

1. Do I have to fundraise?

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Yes! Fundraising is at the heart of being a Community Champion. But it’s simple—set up your page, share your story, and spread the word.

What if I only raise a small amount?

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Every pound counts. Even a small fundraiser helps keep these lifelines open.

How do I start?

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Sign up, add your photo and story, and share your page. That’s it—you’re making an impact.

Can I do more if I want to?

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Absolutely! Many Champions run events or raise awareness locally—but it’s completely up to you.


Need Some Inspiration?

Ideas to get you started

Host an Event

Plan a quiz night,coffee morning,or an event-bring people together and make a difference.

Get Moving

Walk,run,cycle,or dance-every step you take helps improve mental health support in your community.

Get Baking

Cupcakes,cookies,or artisan breads-sell your creations and raise funds while filling hearts (and bellies).

Sell Something

Clear out your cupboards or get creative-from vintage clothes to handmade crafts,your sales can save lives.

Physical Challenge

Take on something epic-climb a mountain,swim a mile,or join an organised race for mental health.

Celebrate Something

Turn your birthday,wedding,or aniversary into a fundraiser-ask for donations instead of gifts. 

Ready to Champion Mental Health in Your Community?

Your journey to making a difference starts here.

Prefer to make a Donation? Click here 

Peter and Janine's story


Here how our peer support groups change lives.

Rethink Mental Illness - Surrey Support After Suicide Group: Provided vital suport to Peter and Janine, here their story in their own words

Community Champions in Action

About Rethink

Community Services and Groups

Our community Groups and Services keep people living with mental illness safe and well in the community, prevent their needs from escalating, and help them live independently,

Support groups

Our network of over 140 local support groups offers a welcoming, non-judgemental space to talk about your experience and get peer support.

Community Mental Health

Rethink Mental Illness has established a Community Mental Health Unit to transform community mental health care. We believe this is not a task for the NHS alone, but for communities

Our Community

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