Gainsborough charity helps support people's mental health

Be The Difference was created in 2019 by Belinda Darley during a 6am RockSpin class at The Studio, Gainsborough following the unexpected suicide of a local young man.

In the weeks that followed the event it quickly became apparent that there was a dire lack of support available for anyone unable to wait for the NHS or who could not afford to pay for private therapy themselves so Be The Difference was created to help fund it.

Claire Bingham, charity co-ordinator, said: “Over the last two years we have managed to help more than 120 people and have raised and spent more than £30,000 on counselling fees.

"Every penny raised has been used to provide support for the people who need it the most and, particularly during the last 12 months, there have been very many cases of attempted suicide that we have been able to reach quickly and effectively.

"Thanks to the generosity of local supporters we have not yet had to turn anyone away when they needed us.

"We have a wonderful bank of therapists on whom we are able to call.

"They each have their area of speciality including psychotherapy, PTSD, children’s mental health etc and we have emergency professionals in place for the most urgent of calls.

"We also offer support to the family members concerned which is vital for the ongoing treatment of the individual."

Be The Difference are now a registered charity and are looking forward to expanding and being able to help even more members of the community by creating support and wellbeing groups.

Claire said: “Over the coming months we are looking to develop our groups and services so everyone in our town has access to the support they need.

"Collaboration and person-centred care are key for us.