Mersey Reporter - #Merseybites #News

A local mental health charity:- 'Open Door' were delighted to welcome 'The Anfield Wrap' for a special podcast recording at the Bloom Building, in Birkenhead.

For the last 13 years, Open Door Charity has provided a range of free, fast and effective mental health programmes to young people and adults. This is a lifeline for the local community, supporting over 100 people every week.

The Anfield Wrap podcast is a local favourite for Liverpool FC fans, reaching over 21,000 listeners per month, with episodes recorded after each Liverpool game.

Using this platform, The Anfield Wrap are helping Open Door with their latest text to donate campaign, raising funds to ensure the charity can continue their work in transforming the mental health space in Liverpool.

Neil Atkinson, CEO of The Anfield Wrap said:- "Open Door with its unique set up and environment is the sort of charity we are delighted to partner with. They are in the heart of the community and are representative of the community in both Birkenhead and the whole City Region. Birkenhead and the City of Liverpool should lead the way in innovation and should place the idea of care at the centre of that innovation. Open Door do that every day."

Open Door offers engaging and versatile support in a non-clinical setting, without a lengthy referral process or waiting lists.

The flagship:- 'Bazaar' programme moves away from conventional mental health services, favouring an innovative model that uses elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, mindfulness and peer mentoring, supporting people aged:- 14 to 35, with symptoms of low mood, depression and anxiety.

Feedback shows that Bazaar often has powerful, life changing outcomes for its members.

"It has changed my life and wellbeing completely. I rarely go into my extremely negative anxiety mode anymore, as I have developed useful skills throughout the Bazaar programme on how to cope with life stresses, whether they are little or large. I am living life properly now with little fear or worry," said a Bazaar member.

Open Door is seeing an increased demand across all of its programmes, with many factors impacting young people's and adults' mental health, including the pressures of social media, the cost of living crisis and lack of access to appropriate services.

Lee Pennington, founder and director of the Open Door Charity, commented:- "The financial landscape for charities is ever more challenging. Traditional funding sources are experiencing unprecedented demand, all whilst the need for services continues to rise. As a charity, we are in a very exciting moment of change, but to navigate this safely, we need the help of our community. Supporting, championing and being proud of the work that our volunteers and team do to save and improve people's lives."

To support this vital service for our young people's mental health, text:- 'TRANSFORM' to:- '70480' to donate £10 today, or visit:- OpenDoorCharity.Com, or send a cheque to:- Open Door Charity, Bloom Building, 3 Abbey Close, Birkenhead, CH41 5FQ.

Registered charity number: 1189664