Important data security notice from Mind in Gwent

On Wednesday 29th July 2026, Beacon, the software company that provides Mind in Gwent’s supporter database, became aware that they may have experienced a cyber-security incident.

Their current understanding is that compromised credentials were used to gain access to Beacon, and copies of a number of Beacon’s database backups were made including Mind in Gwent’s. We were notified by Beacon that they discovered this incident on Monday 3rd August.

Since being established in 2023 by the merger of Newport Mind, Mind Monmouthshire, and Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent Mind, we have used Beacon to store our supporter data in one place. Whilst the copying or taking of this data hasn’t yet been confirmed, the evidence Beacon has suggests these copies were likely downloaded.

As our database contains supporter contact details we are contacting all our supporters and have shared some guidance on how to avoid further negative consequences.

Firstly, we would like to reassure you that we do not (and never will) collect or store supporter financial information, such as credit card or bank account details.

However, as our database held other details such as email addresses and phone numbers, there is an increased risk that cyber criminals may use this data for scams such as phishing. This involves sending deceptive messages that attempt to steal sensitive information like passwords or credit card details, often by impersonating a legitimate organisation like ours.

To avoid falling victim to a scam like this, we strongly recommend familiarising yourself with the National Cyber Security Centre’s guidance on spotting and reporting phishing scams.

If you have any doubts about whether a message is from us, please contact our team directly by emailing [email protected], or by calling one of the phone numbers listed on our website. Do not reply to any suspicious messages, or use any numbers or addresses found in the message.

Remember, your bank (or any other official source) will never ask you to supply personal information via email, or call and ask you to confirm your bank account details. If you suspect someone is not who they claim to be, hang up and contact the organisation directly.

We take data security seriously at Mind in Gwent, and are sorry and disappointed that this issue with Beacon has occurred. We will continue to do everything we can to keep supporter information safe and secure, now and in the future.

Posted on: 4th August 2026