The SHM Foundation's 2023-2024 Annual Report reflects a year of deep listening and bold expansion through community-driven work across Mental Health and Wellbeing, Education and Livelihoods, and the Arts. 

Explore the Annual Report to learn more about our journey and impact.

These are more than just focus areas—they're pathways to meaningful change. We create safe spaces for emotional support, build skills for sustainable livelihoods, and spark conversations that challenge stigma and inspire new ways of thinking.

Our mission is to support people and communities in developing solutions to the challenges they face, in the ways that work for them. This year, we've seen the powerful ripple effects that occur when individuals and communities feel heard, supported, and empowered to take action.

Highlights

This year at the SHM Foundation began with a simple but powerful act: listening to 900+ community-based mental health organisations at Ember, our global mental health initiative. From these conversations, we strengthened our understanding of grassroots needs and now support more than 81 organisations through flexible, trust-based partnerships. It was a year of bold expansion.

Through programmes like Khuluma in South Africa and the Marakwet Project in Kenya, we continued to create pathways for young people to access education, skills, and employment. Young participants moved into higher education, accredited courses, internships, and full-time roles, supported by a holistic model that integrates psychosocial care with career development. This approach recognises that wellbeing, education, and livelihoods are deeply interconnected.

The Foundation expanded its support for arts-based initiatives, recognising creativity as a powerful tool for wellbeing and social change. From the Bloomsbury Festival and Spitalfields Music to the Palestinian Women’s Choir and Good Chance Theatre, SHM supported projects that make the arts more accessible and inclusive.

As we reflect on the past year, we celebrate the resilience of our partners and the strength of the communities we serve. Looking ahead, SHM Foundation remains committed to deepening this work: expanding support for community-led initiatives and shaping a more inclusive, creative, and responsive future.