MentaSpring CIC was founded by Evelyn Balogun, a qualified mental health nurse with NHS clinical experience and a direct cultural connection to African diaspora communities affected by mental health inequalities and detention disparities. In 2024/25, people recorded under "Any Other Black Background" were detained at twelve times the rate of the White British group.
Source: NHS England, Mental Health Act Statistics, Annual Figures 2024/25.
Through her work in mental health services, Evelyn has seen what happens when someone leaves hospital and returns to everyday life. The appointment may come later than expected. Routines can become difficult to maintain. Families may be unsure where to turn. The transition from crisis and treatment back into ordinary life can leave people without the practical support they need.
She has also seen mental health from within the community, where culture, stigma, trust and previous experiences of services can influence whether someone feels able to ask for help.
MentaSpring was created from an understanding of both sides of that gap.
Our work focuses on the space between crisis, recovery and everyday life. We provide practical, community-based support that complements existing NHS, statutory and voluntary services.
Evelyn is a qualified ADHD assessor. This strengthens MentaSpring's understanding of the ADHD assessment pathway and the practical difficulties individuals and families can experience while waiting for assessment.
MentaSpring is not a diagnostic service. We do not assess or diagnose ADHD or other conditions through our community programmes. Our role is to provide clear information, practical support, education and appropriate signposting. Where specialist assessment or clinical treatment is required, we help people understand where to seek appropriate care.
Generic support doesn't reach everyone equally.
Our Cultural Wellbeing Programme exists because culture can influence how people understand mental health, experience distress, seek help and engage with support.
We take those differences seriously while maintaining an evidence-informed approach.
MentaSpring works alongside NHS, statutory and voluntary services.
Our role is to strengthen the connection between people and the support available to them. We do not replace clinical treatment, emergency care or statutory services.
We believe community organisations should be honest about their work.
We will seek to understand what is working, what needs improvement and what difference our programmes are making.
Our responsibility is to the people we support, our partners, our funders and the wider community.
People can sometimes find it easier to speak openly in a community hall, library, faith setting or familiar local space than in a clinical environment.
MentaSpring takes support into community settings where people already live, work, gather and feel comfortable.
We want our programmes to feel accessible, respectful and human.
The aim is to meet people where they are and help them take the next step.
MentaSpring's core community support is free to participants.
We do not want cost to become another barrier to asking for help.
Where programmes involve practical costs such as travel, refreshments or materials, we will consider these when planning and funding our activities rather than treating them as an additional burden for the people we support.
Evidence and source references will be provided alongside relevant MentaSpring programmes and resources.
You can explore what MentaSpring offers, learn about our programmes or contact us directly.