Helping people in need during the festive season

22nd December 2021

A local charity that provides support to those who are struggling with their mental health has received a funding boost that will make it easier for people to access the help they need.

Mind in West Essex offers a wide range of services including one-on-one counselling and online peer support groups, and a grant of £18,244 from the independent charitable trust Essex Community Foundation (ECF) is helping them to make their work more accessible.

The funding will enable Mind to set up a new online booking system, increase the mental health training they offer and subsidise the cost of counselling for some of their clients who would struggle to pay for the support they need.

Alison Wilson, chief executive of Mind in West Essex, said, “We are so grateful for this funding as it will enable us to help more people and expand our services.

“Christmas and New Year’s is a time of celebration, but it can also be a difficult time for many people, especially those who may be struggling for all sorts of reasons and the additional stress and worry created by COVID-19 has caused great anxiety.

“We would encourage people to check-in with each other, their neighbours and their friends over the festive season, to see if they want a chat or a walk outdoors.  Just letting them know that you understand this time of year can be difficult and you are there for them, to talk and offer a listening ear can make such a difference.

“If you think someone needs more help than you can give, please encourage them to phone  us on 01371 876 641, use our web chat service or email us on admin@mindinwestessex.org.uk .They can also text 85258 for a free 24/7 confidential text service run by another charity, SHOUT.”

Andy Payne Worpole, Head of Programmes at ECF, said: “Being responsive to the changing needs of our local communities is a key part of our grantmaking at the Foundation.

“It is thanks to local people who choose to channel their charitable giving through us, that we are able to award vital grants like this to Essex charities that are helping local people.”

To find out more about the charity, visit mindinwestessex.org.uk.

To make a donation to Essex Community Foundation and support other local charities like Mind in West Essex click here or call 01245 355947.