The charity was established in memory of Max Davies, who died by suicide in 2018 at the age of 22 following a short period of clinical depression. Max’s family were determined to help those who felt the same as Max did and to prevent another family having to experience the pain of bereavement by suicide. Following his passing, they set up the charity to fund research, raise awareness and provide mental health support.

Since 2019, the charity has supported the work of the Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory (SBRL) at the University of Glasgow led by world-renowned suicide prevention research expert Professor Rory O’Connor, enabling key research into understanding and preventing suicide. Since March 2020, the charity has also supported the most in-depth UK study into the ongoing effects of the pandemic on mental health and suicide risk.

The Mindstep Foundation also helps raise awareness through advocacy, talks, training days and their podcast series.