Launched in October 2020, ‘Fight For All The Feels’ aims to support mental health for children and young people in Birmingham. Led by Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity and Forward Thinking Birmingham (the city’s youth mental health partnership and part of the same NHS Trust), the campaign provides support and funding for new and existing mental health services, enabling young people to get the help they need now and in the future.

The money raised by the Society will be used to fund a number of Peer Support Workers. These workers have their own lived experiences of mental health, or are parents or carers of affected children and young people. They will act as a direct point of contact for young people using the service from referral, throughout treatment and during the discharge period, supporting recovery programmes through ‘social prescribing’ or encouraging young adults to engage in activities like college courses and volunteering.

The funds were raised through the Society’s Red Balloon Appeal Account, a special savings product designed to benefit both customers and the hospital. The interest earned on people’s savings is effectively shared, with a proportion creating an annual bonus payment that Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity can invest in enhancing patient care. Since its launch, the account has raised almost £886,000 for the charity.

Saranne Moreno, Head of Corporate Strategic Partnerships for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “The waves of uncertainty and isolation caused by the pandemic have adversely impacted mental health, with as many as 1.5 million children and young people potentially needing new or additional support as a result (NHS Confederation).

“Now is the time to act. Our Peer Support Workers will offer a new, innovative and accessible model of care post-pandemic and, once established, will be the first of their kind within Children’s and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in the UK."

“By standing up, and looking to tackle the issue head on, we hope to improve the economic, social and health prospects for all young people, and we thank the West Brom and its members for joining us in this fight.”

Jonathan Westhoff, the West Brom’s Chief Executive, said: “Our long-standing partnership with Birmingham’s Children Hospital Charity continues to inspire us with the fantastic work they do for children and young people in the region. Despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, the charity has continued to provide critical support and care for the younger generation.

“We understand the importance of supporting people’s mental health and are pleased to have the opportunity to support the campaign. We would like to thank all the members with a Red Balloon Savings account, this has only been possible with your support.”

The West Brom has been in partnership with the Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity for over 15 years, supporting various fundraising initiatives and providing opportunities for staff to volunteer during working hours to give their time as well as funds to the Hospital.