Shropshire Mental Health Support

What Shropshire Mental Health Support does

Shropshire Mental Health Support (SMHS) is a UK-registered nonprofit mental health charity (Registered Charity No 1003117, Company Limited by Guarantee No 2594511) founded in 1974 and headquartered at Observer House, Holywell Street, Shrewsbury. It serves adults in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin living with or recovering from mental health challenges, delivered through a portfolio of interconnected services rather than a single product. Core programmes include 24/7 telephone support, volunteer-led peer support groups (Men's Group, Women's Group, Evergreens, Walking Group, Allotment, Crafty Afty, drop-ins), Calmer Café evening sessions, mobile outreach via the Wellbeing Vehicle, workplace trauma support using the TRiM model (SWaRS), suicide bereavement support, and the Shropshire Sanctuary crisis alternative to Section 136 detention. In June 2025, SMHS absorbed the operations of the Shropshire Association for Supported Housing (SASH), launching Shropshire MHS-SASH to deliver supported housing in Shrewsbury and Craven Arms for adults aged 18+ with enduring mental health conditions. The charity claims over 5,000 potential suicides averted and £50M+ in public service savings since the Sanctuary's June 2017 launch.

The business model is grant- and donation-funded, with no charges at point of use. Income streams include individual donations (via JustGiving, PayPal, in-person), community and corporate fundraising events, corporate partnerships and sponsorships, grants from the UK government Shared Prosperity Fund and Shropshire Council, retail sales from the Redwoods Shop, and likely housing benefit/local authority contracts for supported accommodation. GTM is community-led: drop-in access with no referral required for most services, supplemented by outreach workers, the Wellbeing Vehicle, and referral-only clinical pathways (Outreach, Sanctuary, supported housing). Customer segments are predominantly individual consumers rather than enterprise buyers, segmented by need (crisis, peer support, recovery housing, workplace trauma). The organisation is governed by a Board of Trustees chaired by Clive Ireland, with Heather as CEO. Reported scale is 11-50 employees, 3,213 service users in the past 12 months, and 49% year-on-year growth in group attendance.

There is no proprietary technology platform; the model is human-delivered, location-based, and peer-led. Distribution spans 10+ fixed locations across Shropshire, a mobile outreach unit, and a 24/7 telephone line. Funding signals include a formal Corporate Partnerships programme, Mayor of Shrewsbury Charity of the Year status (2024), and High Sheriff recognition. Recent strategic moves are expansionary: the SASH absorption, Wellbeing Vehicle launch, and active recruitment across outreach programmes.

Name

Shropshire Mental Health Support

Legal name

Shropshire Mental Health Support

Website

https://shropshiremhs.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Shropshire Mental Health Support is a Shrewsbury-based UK nonprofit charity founded in 1974 providing mental health crisis support, 24/7 telephone helpline, peer support groups, mobile outreach, workplace trauma support, and supported housing for adults in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Mental Health Support Services

NAICS

Individual and Family Services (6241), Other Residential Care Facilities (62399)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGACAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGAEAH)

Keywords

• Mental health support
• Crisis intervention services
• Peer support groups
• Supported housing services
• Suicide prevention programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Shrewsbury

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: Charity relies on donations from individuals, community fundraisers, corporate partners, and events. Donations can be made via JustGiving, PayPal, or in person. The organisation hosts its own events (balls, fashion shows, challenge events) and receives corporate sponsorships.
2. Donated Services and Grants: Services supported by grants and donations from organisations including UK government Shared Prosperity Fund, Shropshire Council, and corporate sponsors. No direct revenue from service users.
3. Supported Housing Services: Shropshire MHS-SASH provides supported housing accommodation. Residents are supported to transition to independent living. Revenue likely derived from housing benefit / local authority contracts rather than direct fees.
4. Retail Shop: The Redwoods Shop at The Redwoods Centre generates revenue through retail sales of newspapers, books, gifts, clothing, toiletries, snacks, drinks, and confectionery.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Shropshire Mental Health Support is a non-profit charity delivering community-based mental health services across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, including a 24/7 telephone helpline, volunteer-led peer support groups, Calmer Café crisis sessions, mobile outreach via the Wellbeing Vehicle, the Shropshire Sanctuary crisis alternative (S136), SWaRS workplace trauma support, suicide bereavement support, and supported housing through Shropshire MHS-SASH.

Product overview

Shropshire Mental Health Support is a multi-service mental health charity providing comprehensive support to people in Shropshire. The organization operates as a portfolio of interconnected services rather than a single unified product. Core services include 24/7 Telephone Support, Peer Support Groups (Easy Walking, Evergreens, Men's Group, Women's Group, Walking Group, Allotment, Crafty Afty, Drop In), and Calmer Cafe evening sessions. The Wellbeing Vehicle provides mobile outreach across the county. Crisis intervention is delivered through Shropshire Sanctuary and Suicide Bereavement Support Service. SWaRS offers trauma-focused workplace support using the TRiM model. Supported housing is provided through Shropshire MHS-SASH in Shrewsbury and Craven Arms. Outreach Support provides community-based assistance via referral. The Redwoods Shop offers retail services, and an A-Z of Support resource directory connects people to additional mental health resources.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 24/7 Telephone Support Compassionate 24/7 telephone listening service for individuals in Shropshire experiencing mental health challenges. Staff offer emotional support and a voicemail call-back when lines are busy. Free at point of use.
• Peer Support Groups Volunteer-led drop-in peer support groups including Easy Walking, Evergreens (55+), Men's Group, Women's Group, Walking Group, Allotment, Crafty Afty, and Drop-In sessions at Observer House in Shrewsbury and Ludlow Methodist Church. No advance booking required.
• Calmer Cafe Evening support sessions held in Church Stretton, Shrewsbury, and Oswestry by appointment only, limited to a maximum of four participants per session. Provides a warm, safe environment for individuals navigating mental health challenges.
• The Wellbeing Vehicle Mobile service vehicle touring Shropshire offering direct mental health support, suicide prevention resources, outreach, and advocacy. Attends festivals, schools, and community events across the county.
• Shropshire Sanctuary Multi-award-winning crisis support service for Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin populations providing an alternative to Section 136 of the Mental Health Act. Accessed by referral from emergency services, crisis teams, and the Access Team only. Since June 2017, has averted over 5,000 potential suicides.
• SWaRS (Shropshire Wellbeing and Resilience Support) Workplace and community support service using the Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) model. Provides active listening support to those affected by traumatic events or ongoing stressful situations, including workplace TRiM support for burnout prevention and stress management.
• Suicide Bereavement Support Service Practical and emotional support for families, friends, colleagues, and anyone affected by suicide in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. Offers support with grieving, managing procedures after a suicide, and signposting to counselling services.
• Shropshire MHS-SASH Supported Housing Supported accommodation in Shrewsbury (Greenfields, 4-bedroom) and Craven Arms (Oldfield Villa, 6-bedroom with en-suites) for adults aged 18+ living with or recovering from mental health challenges. Features private en-suite bedrooms, shared living spaces, and 24-hour emergency assistance. Referral-based via Supported Housing Manager.
• Outreach Support Referral-only community support where Outreach Support Workers help individuals with long-term mental health challenges create personalised action plans to build skills and manage their mental health. Includes Dual Diagnosis Outreach (30 hrs/week), A&E Outreach (15 hrs/week), and Short Term Outreach.
• The Redwoods Shop Retail shop at The Redwoods Centre in Shrewsbury, open six days a week (Sunday to Friday), selling newspapers, books, gifts, clothing, toiletries, snacks, drinks, and confectionery. Holds Level 5 food hygiene rating from Shropshire Council.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 5,000 potential suicides averted since June 2017 (approximately 700 per year)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Corporate Partners (General Programme)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerFormal Corporate Partnerships programme targeting Shropshire businesses. Partners gain CSR benefits and work with SMHS to address mental health issues and reduce suicide rates in the county. A downloadable Corporate Partnerships Information Pack is available. The programme includes 'Charity of the Year' corporate relationships.
• Cyclone Sign and PrintminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of the Wellbeing Vehicle. Provided signage/print services for the mobile outreach vehicle.
• The Rose Patterson TrustminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCharitable trust sponsor of the Wellbeing Vehicle, contributing to the mobile mental health outreach programme.
• Hendra HouseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of the Wellbeing Vehicle. Hendra House supports the mobile mental health outreach programme across Shropshire.
• Arrow County SuppliesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerArrow County Supplies organised a 'Great Arrow Bake Off' and raised £1,695.02 over the past year through their own wellbeing and mental health promotion initiatives for staff.
• Tired Mum's CoffeeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTired Mum's Coffee selected Shropshire Mental Health Support as their charity partner for August 2024 to January 2025 after a customer vote (55% in favour). Customers support the charity by ordering coffee, with proceeds going to SMHS.
• Music AnywhereminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMusic Anywhere granted SMHS 4 free music sessions for service visitors. Funded through UK government Shared Prosperity Fund, reaching local areas to help people be included in their communities and improve health and wellbeing.
• Shropshire CouncilcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerShropshire Council partnered with SMHS on the Shared Prosperity Fund and is listed as a co-funder of music sessions. The Council is referenced in multiple contexts including food safety ratings and community support.
• VibrantShropshireminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-funder of music sessions alongside Music Anywhere and Shropshire Council, supporting community music groups to prevent social isolation in Shropshire.
• EnableminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSMHS attended Enable's Conscious Recruitment event at The Hive. Enable helps people overcome employment barriers. SMHS staff engaged with discussions on inclusive workplaces.
• Shropshire Association for Supported Housing (SASH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn June 2025, Shropshire MHS took on SASH's properties to continue supported housing services following SASH's decision to step away after many years of service. The partnership ensures continuity of support for existing SASH residents. SMHS now operates Shropshire MHS-SASH.
• Mayor of Shrewsbury / Mayor's CharitycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSMHS was selected as one of the Mayor's Charities of the Year. The mayor actively engaged in initiatives and events to raise awareness and funds for the organisation over a 12-month period.
• High Sheriff of ShropshireminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe High Sheriff Brian Welti attended and presented an organisation-wide award to acknowledge volunteer, fundraiser, and donor contributions.
• Emergency Services and Crisis/Access Teams (Sanctuary referral pathway)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerShropshire Sanctuary is accessed via referral from emergency services, crisis teams, and the Access Team. This operational partnership provides the S136 alternative and is credited with averting over 5,000 potential suicides.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Rethink Mental Illness: UK charity supporting people affected by mental illness through advice, local groups, housing, and crisis services. Comparable to Shropshire MHS across peer support, crisis, and supported housing.
• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): UK charity focused on suicide prevention, particularly in men, via helpline and webchat. Comparable to Shropshire MHS's suicide-premission (Sanctuary), male-targeted peer groups, and crisis-line services.
• Together for Mental Wellbeing: UK charity delivering mental health support, advocacy, and housing services including supported housing for people with severe and enduring mental illness. Closely comparable to Shropshire MHS's outreach, peer support, and MHS-SASH supported housing.
• PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide: UK suicide-prevention charity running HOPELINEUK and community support for at-risk young people. Comparable to Shropshire MHS's suicide-bereavement and crisis-services focus.
• Home Group: Large UK provider of supported housing and mental-health services, including accommodation for people with complex needs. Comparable to Shropshire MHS-SASH's supported-housing model in Shrewsbury and Craven Arms.
• Samaritans: UK charity providing 24/7 emotional support via telephone and other channels for people in distress. Closely comparable to Shropshire MHS's 24/7 telephone support and crisis-alternative mission.
• SANE: UK mental health charity running SANEline, an out-of-hours helpline, plus online peer-support community and campaigning. Comparable to Shropshire MHS's 24/7 listening line and peer support model.

Emerging players

• SHOUT: UK 24/7 text-based crisis support service for people in distress. Comparable to Shropshire MHS's 24/7 telephone helpline as a digital/remote crisis-alternative offering.

Broad incumbents

• Mind: Largest UK mental health charity operating across England and Wales with local Minds delivering peer support, helplines, and crisis services. Directly comparable as a nonprofit mental-health support provider, but national in scope and far larger than Shropshire MHS.
• Mental Health Foundation: UK charity focused on prevention, research, and public mental health awareness. Comparable to Shropshire MHS in mission space, but operates nationally and is not a direct service-delivery peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@ShropshireMentalHealthSupport
• Instagraminstagram.com/shropshiremh
• Xx.com/ShropshireMent1
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/shropshire-mind

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Shropshire Mental Health Support