Mental health organisation uses money seized from criminals to expand support in Bradford

Missing Peace Wellbeing + Support offers mental health and wellbeing support to people in Keighley and the wider Bradford District.

The organisation received funding from the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin’s, Safer Communities Fund, which takes money recovered from criminal activities by police and prosecutors and gives it to projects making their local area safer.

Thanks to the fund, they have launched their ‘Power of Peer Support’ programme, which encourages people to share their experiences to support each other.

With the near £6,000 grant, the organisation is running two support groups (one face to face and one online) and up to 20 one-to-one sessions a week.

West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE visited the group today (18/08/23) to find out more.

Speaking at the visit, Deputy Mayor Lowe said:

“Our mental health is so important, and that’s why we’re supporting projects just like Missing Peace Wellbeing + Support.

“By providing a safe space, they’re empowering people to share their experiences and support one another.

“With the Mayor’s Safer Communities Fund we’re showing criminals that crime doesn’t pay. Instead, money previously associated with criminal activities is now making a real, positive difference to people’s lives.”

Emma Gibson, CEO and Co-Founder of Missing Peace Wellbeing + Support said of the funding:

“We are extremely grateful for the support provided by the Mayor's Safer Communities Fund.

“As a small organisation, funding is so important to help us to continue to provide mental health and wellbeing support within the community.

“The Mayor’s fund has helped us to create a safe space for people to come, share experiences and support each other. This creates a network of support where the community help the community, helping to reduce social isolation, improve mental health and wellbeing and work towards reducing suicide.”

Since 2022, the Mayor’s Safer Communities Fund has supported 173 projects with over £1 million. Other funded projects include a sports programme for young people in Bradford, self-protection and confidence building workshops for young women in Calderdale, and a veterans’ support centre in Wakefield.