The SHM Foundation

Who we are

The SHM Foundation is a forward-looking philanthropic organisation working globally to drive positive social change in the areas of mental health and wellbeing, education and livelihoods, and  the arts.  

Our mission is to support people, communities and organisations in developing solutions to the challenges they face, in the ways that work for them. We work with them to improve their mental health and wellbeing; gain new skills, knowledge and employment opportunities;  access excellent artistic experiences that enrich their lives.  

We design and implement our own initiatives, conduct participatory research and provide grants to other organisations and projects through our Ember Fund. Ember finds, mentors and funds excellent community-based initiatives in low-resource settings. Our mission is to partner with and support a diverse, inclusive ecosystem of mental health care to grow and thrive worldwide, so that everyone can access the help they need, where they are, in ways that work for them.  

Based in the UK but with a fantastic global team, we have offices in London and Nairobi, and work with partners in over 20 countries. We have a long history of work in Africa, and in 2025 we set up SHM Foundation Africa whose work helps communities access tertiary education and mental health support, unlock creativity through an arts-based economic model and enriching artistic experiences and gain new skills, knowledge and employment opportunities. We believe firmly that ripple effects are felt in communities when people feel supported, cared for and able to exercise agency in their own lives.