The ODC offers alternatives to the status quo, breaking barriers and stigmas by creating a non-clinical, bright and vibrant feel throughout its spaces, support options and culture.
It makes sure everything it does is evidence-based to ensure that the support it provides is as effective as it can be.
Ella Holland, Head of Fundraising at the Open Door Charity, said: “Across all our support offers, our services are free and have never had a waiting list. This is crucial to the ethos of the ODC, providing the right support, at the right time is where we can have the most impact.
“This incredible donation from Barratt Homes will help support the day-to-day running of our community home, Bloom Building in Birkenhead.”
Bloom provides a thriving programme of events, activities and workshops which directly respond to the needs of the community. It covers support groups, free family events, gigs and art workshops.
According to studies by the NHS, one in five children and young people have a probable mental health disorder. Community events and support groups by the Open Door Charity seek to support these people and help them work through these mental health issues.
Ella said: “On the Wirral, and particularly in Birkenhead, depression and other mental health issues are common, with a prevalence of 20.4%.
“As a result, traditional mental health support often ends up overloaded, resulting in extensive waiting lists up to two years in length.
“There is an urgent need to provide effective support as early intervention when it comes to children and young people’s mental health with suicide being the leading cause of death for males and females between five to 34 in 2019.”
Over the coming years, Open Door Charity is creating Joy – a space that will be the forever home of the ODC and its mental health support, as well as NHS partners and other third sector organisations.
It will break boundaries and create new progressive norms, that houses and amalgamates creativity, vibrancy, art, culture, live music, wellbeing, connection and community.
Ella added: “Donating to local charities is imperative to make sure impactful work can remain front and centre in our community. Donating helps charities to remain responsive and creative, and enables them to build trust and provide immediacy when needed most.
“Thank you to Barratt Homes for helping to keep Bloom as a lynchpin in the local community, providing a warm, welcoming and safe space for those who need it.”
Barratt Homes’ donation came from its Community Fund scheme via The Barratt Foundation, which is designed to support national and local charities, large and small, across the UK to leave a legacy in the communities in which the housebuilder operates.
Rhys Nicholson, Managing Director at Barratt Homes Manchester, said: “We are eager to assist the Open Doors Charity as it continues to do its fantastic and necessary work in this Merseyside community.
“We would encourage anyone who can donate to this organisation, to help in the battle for our young people’s mental health.”
To find out more about this charity, visit its website at the Open Door Charity.
For information about any developments in the area, visit the website at Barratt Homes in Merseyside.