A project aimed at helping people understand mental health, suicide and sudden bereavement has teamed up with a free clothing bank scheme and local organisations to host its first event.
The Breaking Barriers Project and Maya’s Community Support Centre worked together for the event at BayPoint Fitness and Sport Centre on Saturday (August 26). The event provided mental health and wellbeing information, the clothes bank, raffle, family games, fun dog show and a book bank.
The Breaking Barriers Project has been created by Hilary and Gary Adams, from Minster, in recognition of the friends they have lost through sudden bereavement or suicide.
The project is currently an educational hub where the public can learn about various facts surrounding mental health, suicide and sudden bereavement.
Both Hilary and Gary have faced individual challenges from childhood that have placed them at a disadvantage and together as a couple, they too have faced challenges which they have overcome and now aim to provide support to those who need it and are unable to reach for help through other professional services.
Hilary is the Neurodiversity Support Manager at Standford Hill Open Prison and believes that prevention of poverty or additional help with mental health would reduce the offending rates in Thanet.
Breaking Barriers Project work alongside Maya’s Community Support Centre in Herne Bay. Maya provides free clothing, food and furniture to all who need it, especially the vulnerable and those affected by the cost of living crisis.
Baypoint Fitness and Sports Centre is also a community interest company, supportive of both projects and providing areas to host the events.
There are plans to host another event during late September which will provide a free clothing bank for all.
Breaking Barriers Project will soon be opening a storage facility providing clothing to those who are unable to afford to buy new.
Hilary said: “We will be working alongside vulnerable people including families of prisoners, those leaving prison and those struggling with mental health difficulties and the homeless. The hub will be open in Ramsgate from the end of October.
“All clothing and accessories will be supplied free of charge from Maya’s Community Support Centre. The community projects involved are aware of the disadvantage residents of Thanet face, the cost of living crisis and how problems can build up and lead individuals to either suicidal thoughts or suicide.
“We are overwhelmed with support for our project and were pleased to host alongside: Broadstairs Town Shed, Maya’s Community Support Centre, Mental Health Matters, Catching Lives, Whitstable Beauty School, Keith Henderson Portraits, Rainham Pet Shop and Family Fun Dog Show and Heart in the Community CIC. We are all very much looking forward to the next event which will be very soon. “
Follow Breaking Barriers Project on their Facebook page or email [email protected]
Get help
Samaritans – https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ Call 116 123
Mental Health Matters – https://www.mhm.org.uk/ or call 0800 107 0160. Free, confidential and open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Call Kent and Medway Mental Health Crisis Line on 0800 783 9111 which is available 24/7
Thanet Safe Haven on 07850 655877 6pm – 11pm 365 days or email [email protected]. If your usual sources of support are closed Safe Haven in Thanet offers mental health support to Kent residents aged 16+, including healthcare professionals.
East Kent Mind 0795 060 8827 or visit their website
Wellbeing line 0203 912 0032 is open Monday – Friday 2pm-5pm and Sunday 6pm-10pm
SpeakUp CIC peer support in Margate Email: [email protected]
Cruse Bereavement Support- https://www.cruse.org.uk/get-support/