YoungMinds film narrated by Richard Armitage

[n_carraway]

Hi all

There are several us at YoungMinds - staff and volunteers - from East Dulwich, and others yet who used to live there. And even though the Parents Helpline (see below) is completely anonymous, you'd have to think that some of the parents who ring it are local as well. We're based near Borough Market.

Talking about mental health is still taboo. But we?ve got a cracking helpline at YoungMinds, staffed by 30 or so volunteers. 10,000 parents distressed about their child?s mental health and emotional wellbeing ring it every year. For free - we?re a charity, after all.

Tough news is that, owing to budget cuts, it?s about to run out of funding, after 21 years. It?s the only helpline of its kind in the UK. It goes and it?s gone. That?s that.

But we can save it. We?ve made this short film - a real corker - narrated by Richard Armitage (Thorin Oakshield for all of you fans of The Hobbit films, and star of Spooks), and are having a go at crowdfunding to raise ?20K.

Please have a peek; it's only 90 seconds. And if you would please share this link (and tweet it, if you?ve got Twitter) that'd go miles and miles - just what you need in crowdfunding.

Naturally (and for good luck) please donate ?10 or even ?15, 25 or more if you?re feeling flush.

And please know that I don't ask you to do anything I haven't done. Have donated and plastered on Facebook and LikedIn. Because it's important thew Helpline sticks around.

Here's the link: [link] http://www.youngminds.org.uk/savethehelpline [/link]

Happy Christmas + thanks tons

Chris

[bornagain]

Great cause, will support and share. Could you give us a link to the short film?

[Alexthecamel]

http://www.youngminds.org.uk/for_parents/save_the_parents_helpline

This links to a page with the film on.

Can anyone else find the FB links?

[n_carraway]

Thanks Bornagain and Alex

You could also try this link, which takes you right to the crowfunding page:

[link] http://www.youngminds.org.uk/savethehelpline [/link]

And I should mention too that, if you think you need the Helpline - it could be your child is under school stress, or you suspect cyberbullying, sexting, and other nasty things - to please ring. It's confidential, costs nothing, and it's a big, big help. The number is 0808 802 544

Thanks again

[JoannaW]

This is such a great FREE resource - and the only parents' helpline of its kind - cannot believe we might lose it. Working in schools, I see so much anxiety, insecurity, self-loathing and worse in children and young people. And as a parent, it's such a relief to know it's there if I ever needed it.

Will definitely be donating to the cause.

[Browncoffee]

Great cause! Thanks for sharing the film.

Will donate and share with contacts.

[Otta]

I'll definitely share this.

[n_carraway]

East Dulwichers

A big, big thanks to everyone who has shared the http://www.youngminds.org.uk/savethehelpline link, who've written to say how the Helpline has helped, and especially those who have donated.

We've raised ?2,279 through crowdfunding so far. Crowdfunding runs until Christmas Eve, so if there's anyone who's in want of some good Christmas charm and spirit...

Also, please don't forget that if you've got any concerns about a child or teenager's mental health, the Helpline is free and anonymous and will give you guidance and assurance. 0808 802 544.

Best

Chris

[n_carraway]

Blimey, now over ?3,000 raised, and was just in the Indie on Sunday, in case you missed it. [link] [www.http://tiny.cc/0hhbrx] [/link]

Thanks tons + Happy Christmas

Chris