Founded in 1949, the foundation aims to help people understand, protect, and sustain their mental health through prevention, research, community programs, and advocacy.

[5] The green ribbon is the "international symbol for mental health awareness."

The Foundation's green ribbon ambassadors, include: Olly Alexander, Aisling Bea, Olivia Colman, Matt Haig, David Harewood, Nadiya Hussain, Grant Hutchison, Alex Lawther, and Graham Norton.

[19][20] The Foundation's total income for the financial year ending 31 March 2018 was £5.8m.

[22] The president of the Foundation is Dr Jacqui Dyer MBE[23] and the patron is Princess Alexandra.