Director’s Chair – Victoria, CEO
15th – 21st May marks Mental Health Awareness Week and this year’s theme is anxiety. For the team at The Door we talk about Mental Health every day of the year. But, it’s these nationally recognised weeks that can help draw attention to some of the issues faced by those we support.
“Mental health”
It’s a phrase we have seen more and more of in recent years. But what comes to mind when you read those words? Thankfully the taboos around mental ill health are subsiding as we move further into the 21st century. But, sadly for many the stigma still remains.
Supporting young people and parents with their mental well-being is, by far the most prevalent issue we are seeing across all of our services. Our youthworkers are seeing extraordinary incidents of challenging behaviour and those presenting with issues related to poor mental health. And it’s no surprise that our 1:1 mentoring support services are continuing to see demand at an all-time high.
The COVID-19 pandemic may now be ‘officially’ over but the legacy of it is far from being a distant memory. Its impact is still being felt physically and mentally by thousands across the globe including those on our doorstep.
There is certainly no judgement from The Door when it comes to supporting those who are suffering. Our approach is never to judge but to seek to understand. Holding firm to the belief that a person’s past shouldn’t determine their future. And being curious to understand what has happened to and around them rather than what’s wrong with them.
As we journey through this mental health week, we are all too aware of the need out there and our need to continue to pull together the resources we need to make all that we do possible.
We are so grateful to everyone that supports The Door in every way. Here are some ways that you can help us right now:
Donate to fund more mentors for young people and parents – in fact, during Mental Health Week all donations to The Door at https://www.thedoor.org.uk/donate are being DOUBLED. So if you can spare a pound, a fiver or more, please consider donating it in this special week so it can have twice the impact.
Or you could sponsor the Marvellous Mums taking on this year’s #100KinMay challenge.
Volunteer – the more mentors we have the more people we can give hope – it really is that simple. If you could spare an hour a week to listen to a young person or parent, to help them be heard and find hope for their future please consider volunteering as a mentor. Full details can be found at https://www.thedoor.org.uk/volunteer and the next training course starts on Thursday 15th
Pray – As a Christian organisation prayer is at the heart of what we do. So, if you would like to join us in prayer sign up to our weekly email bulletin at https://www.thedoor.org.uk/subscribe
