In the UK, almost 50% of illness diagnosed among working age adults is mental distress, depression and chronic anxiety being the two most prevalent illnesses. However, only 24% of those diagnosed receive appropriate interventions within the National Health Service (NHS). In light of this, third sector organisations, such as MIND, are left to fill the gap in providing therapeutic care. This paper reports on an evaluative study of what Mind offers as opposed to statutory services from a service user perspective.

An exploration of the differences in mental health care between statutory and non-statutory organisations.

To identify how service users experienced MIND's counselling service. To establish the benefits and disadvantages of mental health care within statutory and non-statutory services. To identify the impact of mental health care from non-statutory services.

This qualitative research project, adopted a case study approach. Using one to one narrative interviews, data from 12 participants, five males and seven females were collected. Following transcription, each narrative was analysed individually, with thematic analysis being used across all 12 interviews.

Six themes were identified; mindful of the gap; easing like sunday morning; magic moments; love is in the air; lighting up a future and changing the status quo.

Mind plays a significant role in enabling those with psychological problems to move towards building a better future. Findings suggest statutory services can learn important lessons from non-statutory organisations not least how best to provide cohesive, collaborative and compassionate mental health care for those in distress.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.