The organisation, Dorset Mind Your Head, which helps young people to be as mentally healthy as possible is to get £5,000 from the Swanage-based charity #Willdoes.
With many young people’s lives disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak, as well as adults’ lives, the charity wanted to help anyone who was really struggling with the current situation.
#Willdoes was set up in 2019 by Lesley Paddy, in memory of her son, William, to help young people who are finding life tough and struggling to cope with their daily life. Its patron is Sandra Rednapp.
£5,000 to help young people
In her April newsletter, Lesley Paddy said that despite having to cancel many of their fundraising events, the team is still working behind the scenes. She said:
“Our trustees have met on Zoom and we have agreed to make a donation to ‘Dorset Mind Your Head’ of £5,000 to help young people really struggling at present. If anybody feels they are struggling please contact them – they are brilliant and here to help you with whatever you’re feeling, whenever you’re feeling it. Remember, ‘It’s OK not to be OK’. Believe me, I know.”
Lesley added:
“I hope you are all staying safe and well and trying to keep busy – it’s hard, I know – none of us are used to a restriction like this. It’s difficult to imagine the lock down ending at the moment, but we will get through this together and when we do, I can’t wait to see you all.”
Heightened worry in young people
Dorset Mind Your Head, part of the local charity Dorset Mind, raises awareness among young people, their parents and carers about how to be mentally healthy and about mental health problems. The organisation recognises that the coronavirus pandemic can cause heightened worry in young people, as well as adults. On its website it says:
“We understand that if you have a history of mental health problems, it may be that the current situation is making it worse. We recognise that the closure of schools, as well as the loss of routine and social connections, are among the key concerns for young people. We are aware that young people who previously might not have needed mental health support, may do so during this period.
“Therefore we are adapting our services as swiftly as possible to meet your changing needs. Our existing services will be replaced by telephone or video meetings from this time until further notice, and we are developing a suite of online education programmes that can be integrated into your school’s online platform.”
For more information
#Willdoes, a local charity set up in 2019 by Lesley Paddy, in memory of her son, William, to help young people who are finding life tough and struggling to cope with their daily life.
Dorset Mind Your Head, an organisation that helps young people to be as mentally healthy as possible.
