M&S and YoungMinds reach £2 million milestone to support young people’s mental health

Marks & Spencer (M&S) has reached a significant fundraising milestone in its partnership with UK charity YoungMinds, raising over £2 million to support young people’s mental health. 

The partnership, which launched in October 2023, has set a £5 million goal to be achieved over three years. Funds raised will go towards doubling YoungMinds’ reach, aiming to support seven million young people through online resources and a dedicated Parent’s Helpline.

M&S is set to further boost awareness with the upcoming Hello Yellow campaign, scheduled for 10th October to coincide with World Mental Health Day. The campaign encourages students, teachers, and communities to wear yellow, symbolising solidarity with young people experiencing mental health challenges. 

Schools participating in the campaign will receive free resources, including a video created with illustrator The Doodle Boy, encouraging students to express what makes them happy through doodles.

Singer and TV presenter, Rochelle Humes, who is a M&S x YoungMinds ambassador, has also introduced the Buddy Bench initiative. The scheme offers 100 schools the chance to win benches made from recycled plastic collected from M&S stores. 

These benches aim to provide a space for children to signal when they need support from peers. Humes, a mother of three, commented:

“As a mum of three children, it’s so reassuring to see the support that YoungMinds gives to young people and the adults in their lives, and it’s clear that getting the conversation started is the first step to young people not feeling alone with their mental health.

“That’s why I’m so pleased to be encouraging schools to sign up for Hello Yellow as the M&S x YoungMinds Partnership Ambassador. The Buddy Bench is a fantastic prize for any school to create a safe place for children to go when they feel that they need some support. Let’s all stand together on 10th October to wear it loud and wear it proud!”   

Victoria McKenzie-Gould, Corporate Affairs Director at M&S, said: 

“A year ago, we announced our three-year partnership with YoungMinds and it’s been an incredible year! We’re so proud that we’ve already raised over £2m of our £5m goal, absolutely smashing our first year target! This year for Hello Yellow we’re helping to raise awareness across the country and get more schools signed up than ever before.

“We’re encouraging as many of our colleagues, friends, family, schools and customers to wear yellow on 10th October to join our coalition of the hopeful, because together, we’ve got this.” 

As part of the ongoing collaboration, M&S has also introduced a Hello Yellow kidswear collection in partnership with The Doodle Boy, which includes a range of yellow clothing and accessories. All profits from the collection will be donated to YoungMinds.

YoungMinds’ CEO, Laura Bunt, noted that mental health support for young people is becoming increasingly critical, particularly in schools. 

“More young people than ever are struggling with their mental health. Schools and teachers can play a crucial role in supporting young people and we know many are calling for more resources to be able to better help their pupils. Every school taking part in Hello Yellow will help show young people they’re not alone with their mental health. Our M&S x YoungMinds Buddy Benches offer young people a dedicated place to talk with their friends when they are struggling with their feelings.  

“This is the latest step in our partnership with M&S which has so far raised over £2m. Every donation helps our work to support young people’s mental health.” 

With additional fundraising efforts through till donations in M&S stores and online, M&S and YoungMinds continue to call on the public to support young people’s mental health. The Hello Yellow campaign hopes to reach more schools and communities this year, offering a united front to tackle the growing mental health challenges faced by young people.

For more information about YoungMinds and the support they offer, visit youngminds.org.uk or call their free Parent's Helpline at 0808 802 5544.