15 prominent community leaders were arrested and imprisoned in a cell with a high ceiling and a single window — it was quite the scene at Pinner Police Station on Friday morning. But, all was done for a worthy cause. In a unique fundraising initiative, Mind in Harrow — a local charity that aims to improve the lives of people affected by mental health issues in the Borough of Harrow — hosted their first ‘Jail and Bail’ event, which raised over £13,800. Funds will go towards supporting and helping rebuild the lives locals with mental health issues.
With the support of the Pinner Local Police, the 15 participants — including a mix of local politicians, councillors, the Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow, and employees from local businesses — were taken through the process of being arrested. They had their details and thumb impressions taken, were given overalls, and put in a cell until bail was granted. “Before the event, we clicked pictures of each participant with their ‘hands up’ for ‘wanted’ posters. We also created a JustGiving page and invited participants to raise a bail amount of £1,000 through sponsorships,” said Aneka Shah-Levy, Mind in Harrow’s Community Fundraising Executive. While most managed to raise their bail amount before the event by sharing their JustGiving pages on social media, and via emails and messages, those who hadn’t reached the target could use their phones from their prison cell to ask family and friends to bail them out.
While the main purpose was to raise funds for the charity, the event served to spread awareness as well. As Nishma Gohil, a teacher and leading member of the community group Unleash the Wolf Within, pointed out,“we all know somebody who has been touched by mental health issues. People need to be made aware that it’s not a taboo; it’s okay to ask for help and share your experiences’. Arrested for ‘escaping from an asylum,’ Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow, Navin Shah was happy to do his bit to support the campaign. “There’s a stigma about mental health amongst South Asian communities and we need to increase awareness about it. Several people from different backgrounds have come together to raise money for the charity and this is an opportunity for people to give back to the community as well as to network,” said Shah, who spent an hour and half in the custody suite at the Pinner Police Station and has raised £1500, as we went to press.
While Jail and Bail was a fun exercise, the experience of being arrested and imprisoned also brings to mind the seriousness of causing offences and the role the police play. “They’re not just there for emergencies, but they’re there to support us everyday, and this speaks volumes of their commitment and understanding of what makes a good cohesive community,” added Shah.
The morning ended with the Mayor of Harrow Cllr Kareema Marikar presenting the ‘jailbirds’ with certificates of appreciation. “News of such events will spread through word of mouth and the community will be educated. It is a big step towards spreading awareness,” said the Mayor.
