There is still time to make a donation to our Christmas appeal that supports the vital work of three local mental health charities. And each of them really does need your help.
One in ten children has a mental health problem and one in four people will suffer mental illness over the course of their lifetime. Here is a reminder of the three charities and the work they do…
FEGANS
Chief executive – Ian Soars
www.fegans.org.uk
This is a Christian charity, founded in 1870 to help destitute boys, that believes the best way to support children today is within their families and communities. Fegans o? ers specialist services in the areas of family support, schools work, counselling, training and community activities.
“Partly the rise in mental health issues is due to the internet… it has created new challenges and pressures for children…part of this is down to cyber-bullying and ‘trolling’…bullying is no longer con? ned to the classroom it can follow a child home… the majority of children are doing great… we are here for those who are not.”
How your donation can make a difference:
- £2 buys resources such as paint/playdoh to be used in play therapy sessions with young children
- £5 subsidies a counselling session for a distressed child
- £10 subsidies a counselling session for an entire family
- £20 pays for a one to one parenting support session with a specialist family support worker
CROSSWAYS COMMUNITY
Chief executive
– Chris Munday
www.crosswayscommunity.co.uk
Founded in the 1960s, Crossways is a Christian charity that provides residential care and support for adults with acute mental health issues. It currently accommodates 45 residents. Crossways also promotes awareness of mental health issues within schools, churches and the local community.
“If we spend the time, e? ort and money now on our young people and their mental health then the chances of their becoming adults with decent mental health are hugely increased. If we fail to support our young people in this way then we risk failing that generation.”
How your donation can make a difference:
- £50 Pays for trained professionals to go into local schools and run a session on mental health
TUNBRIDGE WELLS MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE
Wellbeing officer
– Dave Collins
www.twmhr.org.uk
Founded in 1993, the charity provides a safe and caring environment for people with mental ill health and runs The Hub at 2a Grosvenor Park. It offers a free counselling service plus a community one to one support programme and seeks to empower people so they are able to re-take control of their lives.
“We need about £25,000 a year to run The Hub…. today we have around 250 regular attendees… there is a growing underclass with people falling through the net… one desperate person turned up on hands and knees begging for help.”
How your donation can make a difference:
- £4 weekly supplies for the literacy and numeracy group
- £5 weekly cost of yoga per person
- £10 one to one session for a new client
- £50 weekly cost of tutor for the Mindwell Art group (20 people)
- £50 weekly cost of food supplies for Cookery for Health Club
All donations to the Christmas appeal will automatically be split between the Times’ three chosen charities.
To give, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TimesofTunbridgeWellsChristmasAppeal
You can also make a donation by writing a cheque made out to the Times of Tunbridge Wells and sending it to:
Times of Tunbridge Wells
16 Lonsdale Gardens
Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1NU
Please mark the envelope: Charity Appeal.
