Local spotlight - Darlington Mind

Can you tell us about your group, service or organisation and how it started?

Darlington Mind is a registered local charity based in the North East of England, working across Darlington, South and West of County Durham, Hambleton & Richmondshire.

We provide a wide range of support including wellbeing and recovery services to help people experiencing emotional and mental health problems. We assist people of all ages including children, parents, families, adults and carers, and also provide training solutions to businesses to help a maintain a healthy workforce.

We are an independent charity and work with a number of other local organisations, constantly striving to improve what we do, raise awareness of positive mental health, promote understanding, and reduce stigma.

We first opened our doors in 1979 and, since then, we have helped thousands of people achieve and maintain good mental health and wellbeing.

Can you share how your group, service or organisation is making a difference and who you have helped?

Darlington Mind is a forward-thinking, client-led organisation. We work with people who have 'lived experience' of mental health problems and so can offer the kind of support they need.

We recognise that people from different cultural and social backgrounds and walks of life have different needs. Our support and recovery services are designed to meet the needs of real people in our region.

We champion equality and welcome anyone who needs support. We will take account and tailor our support to meet your needs.

Thinking about the pandemic and who you have helped, have you learnt anything from your experience?

During the pandemic we have adapted to the situation by offering a widened range of telephone and online services. We have learned from our experience of working remotely and by listening to others. We have learned the lesson of over reliance on face to face support, that expanding our remote assistance has been invaluable in helping people deal with isolation, living alone and suffering from loneliness. We have now adapted our buildings to ensure Covid-safe face to face support can resume. People’s needs are of course different and the experience of lockdown highlights this further.

What has been a highlight for your group, service or organisation so far?

I think a major highlight this year has been that, in the midst of lock downs and the global pandemic, human compassion shines through with the generosity of people’s time and the extra steps they are taking to look out for neighbours and those living in isolation

What are your hopes for the future?

We are determined to continue to provide the support to meet the needs of local people to overcome their emotional and mental challenges, in increasing numbers. We will be looking to develop some new services over the next year which people have told us they want and need.

Do you have a message or words of encouragement for anyone who needs help or may be worried about lock down restrictions easing?

There is always a way to overcome or adapt to coping with the problems life presents us. If anyone is struggling with their mental health, don’t hesitate please get in touch with us, we are here to help you (in complete confidence) and we guarantee to listen will never judge you.  There are no doubt better times ahead; even the worst of times do not last forever. Let us help you through.