Old Skool Bus launches fundraising campaign for NHS mental health charity

The Old Skool Bus launches fundraising campaign for NHS mental health charity Heads On with hot food pop up for NHS staff at Mill View Hospital in Hove.

Heads On is the official charity of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which provides specialist NHS mental health and learning disability services for people of all ages across Sussex, and for children and young people in Hampshire.

Local Brighton business The Old Skool Bus has launched a fundraising campaign to support Heads On’s Covid-19 response appeal, which funds a programme of work across Sussex to support positive mental health during the pandemic.’

Rachael Duke, Head of Charity for Heads On commented “During the pandemic we have all experienced how difficult life can be and for people with mental health problems the changes in routine and support networks can be particularly challenging. Our Covid-19 response appeal has enabled us to fund some brilliant initiatives that support people to stay connected, such as mental health first aid packs, isolation boxes, hardship bursaries for people facing financial hardship and kit and equipment for mental health inpatient wards.”

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to the Old Skool Bus for coming on board to support not only people with mental health problems but also NHS staff during this lockdown. Our staff at Mill View Hospital in Hove are working incredibly hard caring for people with mental health difficulties during the pandemic and are truly touched at the generosity of the Old Skool Bus team and their sponsors in providing a lovely hot lunch, particularly in such a chilly week!”

Kate Packham of the Old Skool Bus & Kitchen explains the team’s decision to support Heads On “We have been working hard with our sponsors and volunteers to support people across the city of Brighton & Hove throughout the pandemic, including working with Brighton & Hove City Council to provide meals to young care leavers from social services. We have all felt the mental health impacts of the pandemic and wanted to do something to support both people recovering from mental health problems as well as thank those frontline NHS staff working to care for them.”

“We are delighted to be working with Heads On to provide hot meals for the staff at Mill View Hospital! We are also planning a series of fundraising initiatives over the coming months, starting with sponsored exercise challenges, pop-up food events in collaboration with local chefs and restaurants, and donating a percentage of revenue from street food sales to the charity. We are often coming up with ad-hoc ideas and always delighted to work with other local suppliers and business if anyone is interested in partnering! Any new partnership ideas can always be sent through to our Facebook or Instagram page!” 

“Our team were most grateful for the donated supplies for today’s event by M & B Meats, Exeter Street Hall, Shrub, Pamir Grocery, Real Patisserie, Ethicurean Guild, and these fantastic selection of local bakers who all donated stunning ‘Hearts of Gold’ themed cakes: Inspirations, Bond’s Bakes, Seashore Bakes, Slice, Lala’s Bakes, Coburn & Baker, and Sundae Surprise Bespoke Tea Parties.” 

Heads On rely on the generosity of the local community to continue with their Covid-19 response, supporting people who are most affected by the pandemic. If you would like to make a donation or get involved with fundraising please visit www.headsoncharity.org