Towards the end of last month staff from the local charity Mental Health Resource stationed themselves by the Clock Tower in Tunbridge Wells Town Centre in order to promote their ‘Reachout Youth’ project.
Mental Health Resource was founded in Tunbridge Wells in 1993 as a response to a lack of mental health services in the area at that time.
“The aim of our recent event was to talk to young people about the service, which supports 13-19 year olds, with their mental health and well-being through free and fun sessions,” explains Jen Williams, the charity’s Fundraising and Marketing Manager.
Sarah Thomas, Mental Health Resource’s Reachout Project Manager, manned the special pop-up along with supporters Anna Skulczuk and Kaya Chew.
The team encouraged those who visited it to write a ‘postcard of positivity’ – an encouraging message for those in the community who are struggling with their mental health.
The group takes place on Wednesdays and Thursdays after school during term time and offers young people a confidential space to share things that might be affecting them.
Participants can take part in fun activities, such as slime making, games and discussions with themes including body image and exam stress.
Reflecting on the recent event Sarah Thomas said: “It was great to be able to meet people in centre of Tunbridge Wells to raise awareness about how Reachout Youth can support young people who may be struggling.
“At a time when many young people are facing exam pressures, it’s vital for them to be kind to themselves and to look after their mental health.”
Ms Thomas added: “Having a stall in the centre of town gave us the opportunity to speak directly with these young people and to remind them they are not alone.”
More info www.mentalhealthresource.org.uk
