Our History

Since 1986, Mind in Bexley and East Kent has grown from a small, user-led support group into a leading mental health charity delivering innovative, person-centred services across Bexley and East Kent.

1986–1989: Foundations

Mind in Bexley was established in 1986 and registered as a charity the same year. In its early years, the organisation operated primarily as a volunteer-led, user-focused support group. Early initiatives included the Heather Club at Bexley Hospital, carers support, tranquiliser withdrawal groups, and the publication of Bexley’s first local guide to mental health services. Joint funding enabled the recruitment of the organisation’s first paid staff.

1990–1994: Community Growth

During the early 1990s, Mind in Bexley expanded its community presence, establishing drop-ins and coffee shops in Thamesmead, Crayford and Sidcup. In 1993, the organisation moved to 283 Broadway, launching the 283 Café Project alongside poetry, art and creative groups. A befriending scheme was established to support people at the point of hospital discharge.

1995–1999: Services and Advocacy

This period saw the introduction of the Information and Advice Service and the Bexley Advocacy Project. Creative initiatives such as Centre Pieces developed, alongside listening services, a formal befriending scheme and partnership work with Oxleas NHS Trust. Welfare rights support and self-management resources became a growing part of the organisation’s offer.

2000–2004: Quality and Impact

The Welfare Rights Service began generating significant financial gains for service users, while recovery-focused courses and art groups expanded. Mind in Bexley embedded quality assurance systems and achieved National Mind quality standards. New initiatives such as the Women’s Activity Morning reflected a growing focus on inclusion and wellbeing.

2005–2007: Professionalisation

Mind in Bexley became a limited company in 2005 and took on leadership roles within local mental health partnerships. Recovery-model day services were launched, and welfare rights income for service users exceeded £1 million annually. Health and wellbeing groups and hospital discharge services were further developed.

2008–2011: Transformation and Innovation

A new CEO was appointed in 2008, leading a period of major strategic change. Services expanded to include guided self-help CBT, IAPT provision, peer mentoring (Mind2Mind), forensic advocacy, carers services and large-scale research and co-production projects. The organisation celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2011, with over 40 staff and a turnover of £1 million.

2012–2016: Diversification and Social Enterprise

New services included eco-therapy, personalised care, Healthwatch Bexley, money management, social prescribing and diabetes support. In 2016, Mind in Bexley purchased and redeveloped 2a Devonshire Road and opened Revival Bexley, launching its social enterprise model.

2017–2019: Expansion Across Kent

Employment support, digital skills programmes and community engagement projects were introduced. Revival Kent opened in Whitstable, East Kent Mind was established, and the Bexley Crisis Cafe opened in 2018, providing 365-day support in partnership with Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust. All Bexley services were consolidated at Devonshire Road.

2020–2021: Responding to COVID-19

In response to the pandemic, Mind in Bexley rapidly shifted to remote therapy, online groups, wellbeing helplines, digital hubs and the Community Pantry. Services expanded further into East Kent, including Ramsgate premises and crisis cafés. In 2021, the organisation became Mind in Bexley and East Kent Ltd.

2022–2025: Impact, Learning and Recognition

The organisation strengthened its focus on research, evaluation, carers support, physical health and supported self-help. This work was recognised nationally with the National Mind Excellence Award for Monitoring and Evaluation in 2024. Continued growth included new premises in Ramsgate and major service evaluations and exhibitions in 2025.