Humankind and Richmond Fellowship have announced that they will operate as Waythrough, following a merger of the two support charities.

The organisation said it aimed to “break down the barriers that stop people getting the support they need to live a life they value” by providing a single point of access for mental health, alcohol and substance use and homelessness services.

The charity’s new name, which takes effect from today, was chosen in consultation with more than 900 staff across the organisation through in-person and online sessions, a spokesperson for Waythrough said.

The charity also consulted its lived experience group of volunteers and former service users, the spokesperson said.

“The name Waythrough resonated as ‘finding a way through’ is integral to everything the new charity stands for – removing barriers to services and treatment and providing joined-up support for mental health, drugs and alcohol, housing and related issues,” the spokesperson said. 

“Waythrough tells people what we do – and, we think, suggests the hope and belief we have that anyone can, given the right support and opportunities, find a ‘way through’ to a different, better place.”

The charity has introduced a new logo to accompany the name. It includes a wavy, asymmetrical W, which Waythrough’s spokesperson said “represents a journey”.

“Everyone’s journey is different and will have bends in the road,” the spokesperson said, adding that the logo’s green colour “represents growth and new beginnings”.

The charity worked with the design agency Brand Ethos on its name and logo, and the web developer Reason Digital on its updated website. 

When asked how much the rebrand cost, the spokesperson said: “I don’t think it’s fair to them to say how much we paid for their work, but I can assure you we got very good value for money!”

Paul Townsley, chief executive of Waythrough, said: “For many years it’s been clear that addressing drug and alcohol, housing and mental health support as separate issues ignores the reality and complexity of peoples’ lives, and that a holistic approach is needed. This is why I’m excited about the launch of Waythrough and our ambitions for the future.

“Today marks a huge step in our journey, and although it’s going to take time, I’m confident that – by working with our partners – we will have the experience, capabilities and determination we need to make our vision a reality.”

The charities announced plans to merge in December.

According to the charities’ annual accounts for the financial year ending March 2022, Humankind had a total income of £70.9m, while the Richmond Fellowship had a total income of £47.9m. Humankind had 1,474 employees, while the Richmond Fellowship had 1,175, their accounts show.

A spokesperson for Waythrough told Third Sector that no redundancies had been made as a result of the merger.