Illicit charity collectors working for a group that claims to support mental health good causes have been removed from a Staffordshire town. The collectors, known as 'chuggers', were said to be from Hectic Minds, which says it raises 'funds and awareness for mental health'.
However, the collectors did not possess a licence from Tamworth Borough Council to carry out fundraising activities and were moved on from the town centre on Thursday (May 14).
What is Hectic Minds?
Hectic Minds states its aim is to 'help those with mental health issues step onto the employment ladder whilst also raising funds for charities'. Its website claims it offers work for people who 'suffer from issues such as anxiety and depression'. The organisation states: 'How much a person can earn is completely up to them as we offer a commission based rate of pay, with a zero retainer selling our wristbands.'
It operates on a similar model to homeless social enterprise Big Issue, where people sell magazines. Hectic Minds says it provides work for those who 'struggle with several mental health conditions' to 'earn an honest living' and has made sizeable donations to the UK's leading mental health charity, MIND. Any profits are 'invested back into the organisation', according to its website.
Council Action
Tamworth Borough Council confirmed that individuals claiming to work for Hectic Minds did not have the appropriate permissions and were asked to leave. The authority advised members of the public not to make donations to any unauthorised collectors.
A council spokesperson said: 'We're aware of individuals currently operating in the town centre claiming to collect donations on behalf of Hectic Minds without permission from the council. Our officers are attending the area and are asking the individuals to leave. We would advise residents and visitors not to make any donations to unauthorised collectors.'
'All collections within the town centre must be authorised by the council and collectors should be able to provide valid identification and permission when asked. If you have any concerns, please speak to a council officer or report suspicious activity to the police. Thank you for your cooperation.'
BirminghamLive has approached Hectic Minds for comment but has yet to receive a response at the time of publication.
