The 888 Collective is a new UK based enterprise, which hopes to help those with mental health issues into work.

Set up by Jana Dowling and Clare Nash, the business is crowd-funding £60,000 start-up investment to successfully launch the business.

Talking to us today, Jana explained why this initiative is so important to her.

I didn’t come out until I was 30 and I’m incredibly happy and proud to be a lesbian and part of the LGBTQ community. I’ve found many friends and allies and I wouldn’t change who I am or my experiences for anything.

Last year I was diagnosed with Bipolar, and unlike with coming out, it’s a label I find difficult to come to terms with.

We all have obstacles to face and one thing I’ve learnt is that mental health doesn’t discriminate. It affects every community and we want to provide a place where people feel comfortable and understood.

Where will be able to nurture the revival and growth of lost confidence and as a result, we will be able to support people, like myself, back into the workplace.”

The 888 Collective will be rolled out in three different stages. The first is opening a cafe/shop, the second, developing merchandise and clothing using artwork, poetry & stories sent in to us and the third stage will be hosting events across London, dedicated to expanding our support network.

Jana adds

The 888 Collective is about having fun and celebrating the beautiful things that mental health issues bring into the world whilst supporting the somewhat more challenging aspects of them.

Mental Health is a big issue in today’s society but it doesn’t have to stop you from being a valued member of the work force. Businesses no longer need to stick to the strict confines of staffing structures especially if they are not solely focused on profit.”

To find out more you can visit www.the888collective.com

Those who are interested in investing should visit The 888 Collective home page and click through to their crowd-funding page.