Wear It Blue for West Sussex Mind: Mental Health Awareness Week 2024

What is Wear it Blue?

Wear it Blue is a great opportunity for businesses, education providers and people in the community to show their support for mental health, increase awareness and raise funds to help us deliver mental health support to those who need us most. 

To sign up or donate to Wear It Blue, please see the fundraise and donate options in the top right-hand corner.

Why support West Sussex Mind?

We have seen a huge increase in demand for support locally, particularly since the pandemic and in the wake of the cost of living crisis. And there are considerable challenges around people getting timely mental health support in the NHS. Our charity has grown to meet this ever-increasing demand, but we would like to help even more people in West Sussex - and fundraised income plays a big part in enabling us to do that. 

When is Wear It Blue?

We are asking people to 'wear it blue' during Mental Health Awareness Week from 13 to 19 May 2024. We are encouraging businesses, education providers and people in our community to wear blue on any day during that week (or throughout the week if you like!) and to fundraise for us.

This year's Mental Health Awareness Week theme:

The theme of Mental Health Awareness Week this year is movement: moving more for our mental health.

Being active is crucial for our mental health, try and include movement into Wear It Blue. Why not go for a walk with people at your place of work or education.

How can you support Wear It Blue?

• You could simply wear something blue in your workplace, university, school or nursery. Think blue clothes (including socks and pants!), blue accessories (wigs, hats, ties, bows, scarves, make-up, body glitter), even blue body parts (blue beards, hair and moustaches also count).
• Organise a blue-themed event, maybe a quiz or an office 'best-dressed in blue' competition.
• Bake some blueberry muffins or blue-iced cupcakes and share them in your workplace.
• At your school or college, organise a wear it blue non-uniform day or a bake sale, while raising awareness about mental health and our important work. We suggest a £2 donation for each child or young person taking part (to share the amount between West Sussex Mind and your school or college) - and we can provide resources around mental health for use in your setting.
• Businesses can ask for donations from employees taking part. Could you do your bit for corporate social responsibility and match-fund the money raised? 
• Share your photos on social media, tagging @westsussexmind and using the hashtag #WearitblueforWSM.

Set up your fundraising page or simply donate

To set up your own fundraising page with a personalised target, click on the 'Fundraise for us' button at the top of this page and get sharing with friends and family. Or simply click 'donate now' to give the funds you have raised or for one-off donations.

If you would like T-shirts, collection tins or buckets or West Sussex Mind leaflets to support your fundraising, please get in touch. We also have Wear It Blue posters and logos for social media to help you with publicity. Email [email protected]