We hear a lot – quite rightly – about the negative effect that gender stereotypes can have on men’s mental health. But women’s experiences of mental health problems can also be heavily influenced by gender. Abuse is often a factor in women’s mental health issues, and gender bias may also occur in the treatment of psychological disorders.

As a result, Wish’s work is vital. The only UK-wide, user-led charity working with women’s mental health needs in prison, hospital and the wider community, it provides women with independent advocacy, emotional support and practical guidance as they navigate the mental health and criminal justice systems. Wish also launched the Women’s Mental Health Network, a project that seeks to give women with mental health issues in the UK a say in how services are run.

Wish’s inspirational director, Joyce Kallevik, is a former Stylist Woman of the Week. “We want to empower women who have been on the margins of society,” she told us. Wish’s ultimate goal is to “have better mental health services for women,” she explained – so that eventually, “women will have less need of services”.

Show your support by… Donating cash or items such as mobile phones, greeting cards and IT equipment; find out more at womenatwish.org.uk. Wish is also supported by wellbeing brand philosophy’s hope & grace initiative, which donates a portion of the profits from every product sold to community-based mental health efforts.

11 inspiring charities that deserve your attention this International Women’s Day