Supporting local businesses and mental health through the TN card
Why did you choose to support West Kent Mind?
From the moment I decided to set up the TN card, I knew I wanted to support a charity, and there was no doubt in my mind that it would be West Kent Mind. As someone who has episodes of clinical depression and is now a mother to four boys, I have a personal connection to the importance of mental health support. Through my local parenting blog, I’ve written about mental health and highlighted the invaluable work of West Kent Mind. Donating 10% of TN card sales to West Kent Mind seemed like a natural and meaningful way to support this cause. It allowed me to raise funds and increase awareness about the vital services the charity provides in our community, especially for individuals like myself who have experienced mental health challenges.
How does the TN card work?
The TN card is a reward card that I set up in 2020 as a practical way of supporting our local independent town centre businesses. I have a marketing and events background and started working as a social media manager (and blogger) when raising my family. Through these roles, while raising my family, I had developed close relationships with many local businesses. Seeing another beloved independent shop close in Tunbridge Wells due to declining footfall was a turning point for me. I realised I had to take action to help these businesses thrive.
That’s when the idea for the TN card was born—to encourage local residents to support small, independent businesses with exclusive offers and discounts. Selling these membership cards not only raises money for West Kent Mind but also funds free marketing opportunities for participating businesses, from app technology and social media features to member events, workshops, press coverage, and podcasts. Today, over 950 local businesses participate in the scheme, and we have built an incredible community of members who are passionate about supporting local businesses while making a difference (and enjoying fantastic rewards in return!).
How does the TN Card support West Kent Mind?
Every TN card membership, whether monthly or annual, includes a 10% donation to West Kent Mind, which we donate to the charity at the end of each month. Additionally, the TN card raises funds through member events and special fundraisers, like our annual birthday auction in February. During this event, TN card businesses donate prizes, and our community members can contribute whatever they can afford to enter a draw to win. This year, I also introduced the Tonbridge Business Awards and the Tunbridge Wells Business Awards, where £5 from every ticket sale is donated to West Kent Mind, alongside two other local charities. We’re proud to be on track to have donated £30,000 to West Kent Mind by the end of this year.
Beyond financial contributions, I hope that by sharing updates from West Kent Mind with the TN card community and openly discussing my own mental health journey at events and on social media, I’m helping to raise awareness about the charity’s services. West Kent Mind provides crucial support to people from all walks of life facing various challenges, and it’s important to me that our community understands where their donations are going and the impact they’re making.
I feel incredibly privileged to support a charity that improves and saves so many lives. Four years into this journey, I’m grateful to count Stevie, Ceri, and the entire West Kent Mind team as friends. With the continued support of the TN card community, I’m hopeful we can do even more for this vital organisation in the years to come.
