Spotlight on our fund holders: Meet Mary Frances Trust
Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to reflect, connect, and shine a light on the people and organisations who make a real difference locally. Amy spoke to Jack, Area Coordinator for Elmbridge at Mary Frances Trust (MFT), a mental health and emotional wellbeing charity operating across Surrey.
Rooted in the Local Community
With a background in social care, Jack brings both professional experience and personal connection with the local area to his role. Mary Frances Trust celebrated its 30th anniversary last year — a milestone that speaks to its strong roots and lasting impact. The charity was founded by Mary, a journalist and care worker, and Frances, a social worker, who saw a gap in support services across Surrey and took action.
“We’ve stuck to their core values and try to operate in a way they’d be proud of. Mary’s grandson is now one our trustees and it’s lovely to connect what we do back to that legacy.”
A Holistic Approach to Mental Health
One of the sensory plaques at our Space to Grow project
Mary Frances Trust offers a mix of structured support and group activities designed to support people’s mental and emotional wellbeing. They are best known for their Community Connections programme, run in partnership with Catalyst Support and Waythrough (formally Richmond Fellowship), as well as other services in conjunction with local authorities, the NHS, and funders like Walton Charity.
Jack describes how the charity runs both “peer support groups and courses, but also arts and crafts, yoga, and more holistic activities”. This mix of support is centred around the approach that people can improve their mental health through holistic, social activities, and by getting stuck in with a community project.
One of their recent programmes is in collaboration with Walton Charity’s Space to Grow — a community gardening project offering calm, outdoor spaces for individuals and groups to be led through nature-based activities.
“One of our clients said she felt so relaxed and safe there.”
Doing a shared activity, Jack explains, often makes connection easier, as “sitting opposite someone and talking about your feelings is hard. But doing some weeding or going on a wellbeing walk can feel much simpler”.
Tackling Isolation and Loneliness
For Mary Frances Trust, community connection is key. Jack shares a client story with me to highlight the importance of face-to-face socialisation when tackling isolation. “We had a client referred after losing his wife. Traditional support didn’t suit him — he just needed a friendly face and something to get him out the house. He now comes to our coffee morning most weeks. That kind of low-pressure, ongoing support that MFT offers is rare”, but clearly essential in making a difference.
Many Mary Frances Trust clients depend on the consistency of these groups as a steady part of their week. And it’s not just in-person support that makes a difference. “We were one of the first in Surrey to offer online provision during the pandemic”. Their agile, proactive approach to offering support means they have a wide range of well-developed support services for people to choose from.
Client's artwork from the Art Group which runs at St Peter's Community Hub
Growing Needs, Growing Services
When asked about whether he’s noticed a change in demand for mental health services, Jack is quick to answer; “there’s no doubt that demand for support has increased. Referrals are up. But I think people are more willing to talk about mental health now, which is good and we want to help end that stigma.”
The charity has grown to meet this need and works closely with partners and funders to expand what’s on offer.
“We’ve recently launched a gaming group in Leatherhead. We’re always evolving based on what clients tell us they want”. A core value at Mary Frances Trust is coproduction, which involves the client in decision-making and the scope of the charity to ensure that what’s on offer is meeting their needs.
Looking Ahead: Greener, Kinder Support
Jack and the team and aware of new challenges around mental health which are increasingly emerging too, especially those linked to technology and social media. To help combat this, Mary Frances Trust is embracing “green prescribing” and nature-based approaches as part of the solution.
“There’s real science behind the idea that getting your hands in soil is good for you. People are starting to see that”. Jack thinks that people will “always need charities like ours”, as mental health will always be a key part of people’s wellbeing. Unlike other charities that tackle issues like homelessness or addiction for example, Mary Frances Trust hopes that people will always reach out and ask for help when they need it.
From Support to Strength
Jack shares a story of a client who lacked confidence to attend her local health club. After joining MFT’s walks and yoga groups, she felt ready to go independently and make the most of her membership.
Lots of potential! - An empty bed at our Space to Grow project
“She said MFT was like a trapeze artist’s safety net. It’s there when you need it, and it’s not judgmental. That’s exactly what we aim for. We’re not about rushing people to move on but instead helping them to move away from our support when it suits them”
For the team, it’s just as important that people work to maintain their mental health. Many of the sessions that Mary Frances Trust offer allow people who have been referred to benefit from a boost to their wellbeing.
Jack describes how every new referral starts with a one-to-one appointment and a personalised plan. Between him and the client, “we’ll collaboratively put a plan together”. Their progress is then reviewed after three months, but support continues as long as it’s needed.
Clients are also offered a range of signposting, including practical support for things like benefits, housing, money issues and more. They have a dedicated member of the team that can advise on these topics and contribute to getting someone back on their feet.
The Heart of It All
So, what keeps Jack inspired?
“It’s all about the people. With MFT, we get to offer something positive — something people want to take part in. Seeing people grow in confidence and move forward is what it’s all about. Every day, we get to make a positive difference in someone’s life. That’s what keeps me going.”
You can find out more about Mary Frances Trust by following them on social media, or by signing up for their newsletter.
Article by Amy Dixon, Walton Charity’s Communication and Events Officer