Spare10forben

overview

Our aim

What you can do

At Spare 10 For Ben, our primary goal is to promote mental health and well-being within our community. We strive to:

Provide Support: Offer accessible mental health resources, including our self-care and wellbeing Ben Boxes, addiction support, and holistic therapies like Reiki, Auricular Ear Seeding Therapy and Indian Head Massage. We have also recently launched a new initiative - Ben's Boost Bags. These are a similar concept to our Ben Boxes, but are carefully tailored to meeting the needs of 13 to 21 year olds. Again, these self-care bags are provided free of charge to those identified as benefitting. We have recently joined forces with the FCA - The Foster Carers Assocation, who are ideally placed to provide these bags to young people within the care system. We hope these bags and their contents help our younger generation to better understand mental health issues, where and how to access support, and more importantly, spread a message of love and hope.

Foster Community: Create safe spaces for connection and support through initiatives like our monthly Ben's Club, Midweek Mix & Mingle and Ben’s Breakfast Club, where individuals can come together to share experiences and enjoy a free meal in the company of others.

Our weekly Friday Friends Drop In sessions at our Spare 10 For Ben Hub in Dawdon, provides an accessible, relaxed and informal space where individuals can pop in, enjoy a cuppa, have a chat and connect with others, all without the need for an appointment. Whether it's a difficult day, feeling lonely or isolated, have something on your mind, or simply fancy some company, everyone is always welcome. There's no pressure to talk, no expectations and absolutely no judgement. Just a warm welcome and a safe space to be yourself. Our drop-in service is also an opportunity to access timely support when it's needed.

We also:

Raise Awareness: Encourage open conversations about mental health through initiatives like BEN CHAIRS, helping to reduce stigma and promote self-care.

Offer Practical Assistance: Provide referrals for essential services such as food vouchers, fuel vouchers etc. via our partner organisations.

Ensure Safety: Develop personalised suicide safety plans and conduct regular reviews to support individuals at risk.

Our holistic approach aims to build resilience, reduce isolation, and enhance the overall well-being of individuals across East Durham.

No one should have to fight their mental health alone.

Speak to someone on our team today by contacting us online.

What you can do

At Spare 10 For Ben, we believe in the power of taking just 10 minutes to check in with others. Here's how you can help support our mission and those around you:

Check In Regularly: Take 10 minutes to reach out to a friend, family member, or colleague. A simple phone call, text, or visit can make a significant difference in someone's day.

Listen Actively: When you check in, listen without judgement. Sometimes, just being there and showing that you care is enough.

Encourage Open Conversations: Create a safe space for others to talk about their feelings. Encourage openness and honesty about mental health.

Offer Support: Let people know about the resources available, such as our Ben Boxes, Peer Support Groups, Friday Friends weekly drop-in sessions, and other mental health services both locally and nationally. Offer to accompany them to support groups or appointments if they need it.

Be Observant: Pay attention to signs that someone may be struggling, such as changes in behaviour or mood. A small act of kindness can be a lifeline.

Spread Awareness: Share our mission and the importance of mental health on social media. Encourage others to take 10 minutes to check in with those around them.

Volunteer: Get involved with Spare 10 For Ben by volunteering your time. Whether it's helping to raise awareness or organising fundraising, your support is invaluable.

Donate: Consider making a donation to help us continue our vital work. Your contributions enable us to provide more resources and support to those in need.

Together, by taking just 10 minutes a day to connect with others, we can make a big difference in our communities. Let's all pledge to sparing 10 minutes to support and uplift those around us.

Mental health has no face, it can affect anyone.

(Please message us regarding our monthly peer to peer support groups, or if you are interested in speaking to us regarding our 'Ben Box' Initiative.)

SPARE 10 FOR BEN

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1205496

overview

Our aim

What you can do

What you can do

What you can do

What you can do

What you can do

Blog

SPARE 10 FOR BEN

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1205496

overview

Our aim

What you can do

What you can do

What you can do

What you can do

What you can do

Blog

Helplines and listening services