Help us continue our life-changing work with young men in Berwick

Health and wellbeing charity Rise is asking for public support to continue its life-changing work to support the mental health and wellbeing of young men in Berwick. 

Rise’s ‘Healthy Minds for Healthy Lives’ project been shortlisted as part of train operator LNER’s Customer and Community Investment Fund – and the funding bid is now open to a public vote. 

A few clicks and one minute of your time could help us carry on the life-changing support we provide to men in Berwick. 

Please vote for Healthy Minds for Healthy Lives under the Mental Health theme - survey closes at midnight on 17 November 2023.

“This has saved my life” - the impact so far 

Youth mental health in isolated, rural Berwick has been identified as a major problem following the pandemic, with greatly increased rates of poor mental health, suicide and self-harm hospital admissions amongst young people.   

There are many complex factors which have resulted in these significant mental health issues, including unemployment, poverty, substance abuse and isolation, however one key issue for young people was the lack of age-appropriate opportunities locally, and their barriers to engagement.  

Our project aims to address mental wellbeing before individuals reach crisis point, through providing a range of activities aimed at boosting mental and physical health, improving employment prospects, confidence and skills, and building community connections. 

People we've already helped  

 “This has saved my life, nothing would have changed without this support, I don’t know where I would be now if I hadn’t this, thank you.” 

 “Eternally grateful for the support provided, I’m now working with a business adviser, claiming benefits I didn’t know I could & is helping me to pay off debts, and moved house to a better area for me and the business within Berwick.” 

“I have found the support provided phenomenal; I am definitely on a positive pathway moving forward.” 

 “Thank you for everything, you have helped me secure local authority housing closer to my family where I am very happy, and improve the support needed for my mental health, I’m now working with the right people to help me get better, I have hope now that things can get better that I have never had before. Thank you.” 

 “You gave me a “safe space to let it all out” when I knew my friends and family were sick of me. I was in such a dark place, I didn’t believe I would ever get out of, I am definitely in a much happier & helpful place in my life now.” 

 “Being able to speak to someone face to face was more helpful than medication.” 

 “You have helped me get a job & sign up for further learning which all supports my future plans and it really helped that it was okay if I missed an appointment & another one offered.”