Suffolk Mind’s Children, Families and Young People service has already reached nearly 3,000 children, young people, educational staff and care givers in the first half term of the new school year. We’ve been all over the county, including supporting Felixstowe School Secondary students through our Skillshops and we had a return visit to Bucklesham Primary for an assembly in October marking World Mental Health Day.

Through 2024, our Helpline has received more than 34,000 calls and emails from people in Suffolk seeking mental health support. We want to be someone’s first call, not their last. Our winter appeal this year is to raise enough money to fund our Helpline through 2025.  It costs about £1,000 a week for our small team to answer roughly 3,000 calls and emails. Many of these calls are lifesaving and life changing. Just £2 can help us support someone. During The Big Give’s double donations week, anything you can donate will be match funded for the first £13,000 of our overall target. If you want to support our Helpline to run through 2025, please head to suffolkmind.org.uk/thefirstcall

Sarah is sharing her story to raise awareness of Suffolk Mind, and the huge impact a first call can have on the lives of people living with mental health challenges.

“My dad, Brian, is in his 70s and isn’t doing well since mum died. He’s anxious, frightened and overwhelmed all of the time. He told me he’s so low he can’t even watch TV or listen to music, and doesn’t know how to get through the day. He called Suffolk Mind’s Helpline because he hadn’t felt supported anywhere else. They listened and suggested Suffolk Night Owls and although he was fearful, they reassured him and helped him do his referral. By the end of the call he was eager to get started. I am so glad he finally called Suffolk Mind’s Helpline.”

If you or someone you know needs support, we’re here. Call 0300 111 6000 or email info@suffolkmind.org.uk to find out about our services and other local services that could help you.