Money means more for mental health support

In Charley’s Memory (ICM), based in Burnham-on-Sea, is benefitting from £10,000 from the HPC Community Fund to provide outreach support in Bridgwater and the local area.

The charity, which was set up by Jo Clement after her son Charley took his own life, helps individuals and families struggling with mental ill-health.

October marked the end of the first year of funding for ICM and it’s been a busy year for the team. It has been putting plans in place to find secure premises in Bridgwater and expand its counselling service across the local area. It’s also launched a regular drop-in service from the Apprentice and Skills Hub at Hinkley Point C.

Since January, the charity has provided over 800 hours of counselling to young people. The service is free and confidential and there’s no need for a referral. Assessments take place within two weeks of the first phone call and there’s no cap on sessions so the door is never closed.

Dawn Carey, Operations Manager at ICM, said: “Without this money, we wouldn’t be here. The sooner we see someone and offer support, the better. Sometimes all it takes is to listen and help someone build resilience, as opposed to what could be months of struggles with a mental health problem. The sessions we run at Hinkley Point C help with the challenges young people face when they find themselves living away from home, or just out working, for the first time. Things like managing money, shopping and cooking, which can feel overwhelming at first.”

In Charley’s Memory support and services:

• There’s a free counselling service at Burnham-on-Sea, soon to be offered in secure premises at Bridgwater and on Site at Hinkley Point C 
• Young people aged 16-24 can access the confidential service with no referral or diagnosis
• The number of sessions is not capped
• ICM has provided more than 800 hours of counselling since January 2019
• The drop-in service at Hinkley Point C operates every other Wednesday from 16 October, 10:30-14:30.