Mental health charity to open new wellbeing hub in Thatcham

Charity to open new wellbeing hub for children and young people <i>(Image: Fortitude)</i>
Charity to open new wellbeing hub for children and young people (Image: Fortitude)
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A mental health charity is set to open a new Wellbeing Hub for children and young people.

Response, which offers support for those aged 11 and above in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire, will open the new site on October 3 at the Carramar site in Thatcham.

The charity, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary, said the hub will serve as a "safe, inclusive, and compassionate space" for young people and their families.

With a focus on non-clinical, youth-led support, the Wellbeing Hub aims to help reduce NHS waiting times and ease pressure on schools and community services.

The site has already had a soft launch in late spring, with 23 local children and young people accessing support from the service in the first six weeks.

Jamie Douglas, Associate Director of Children, Young People and Families at Response, said: "We’ve seen first-hand how vital this Hub is to the young people and families in Thatcham.

"This is more than just a service, it’s a lifeline.

"We’re proud of what we’ve achieved with one dedicated key worker so far, but we know the demand is growing and schools are asking for more support."

The hub will offer a range of services, including after-school drop-ins, one-to-one support, and family sessions.

These activities are designed to empower young people, create community connections, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.

The opening day on October 3 will provide an opportunity for visitors to engage with staff and families already benefiting from the service, gain insight into the hub's youth-led approach, and meet the Response team.

There will also be an appeal for local funding and volunteer support.

Response, which has been running for 60 years, provides essential well-being resources, tailored support programmes, and safe, stable housing.

It enables people experiencing mental health challenges and complex needs to live their lives to the full.

Mr Douglas added: "With additional funding and community backing, we can extend our reach and ensure no young person feels alone in their mental health journey."

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