Christmas Charity Weekend at Sainsbury’s

Young Peoples’ Independent Counselling (YPI) were lucky enough to be chosen by the Kempshott branch of Sainsbury’s to be their charity of the year.  Sarah our Executive Assistant for Community Engagement and Ann-Marie our Clinical Manager took the lead on arranging our Christmas Charity Weekend (15-17 Dec). Without doubt they did an amazing job, in both pulling together the 9 volunteers and arranging some fantastic prizes. Thank you to Southampton FC, Slaters and The Jump Factory for your donations which went into our lucky dip and raffle.

Simone and Ann-Marie enjoying the weekend

The aim of the weekend was two fold: first to raise awareness of the charity and mental health, second was to secure additional funding through donations. With the support of the volunteers who gave up their time and the generosity of the Sainsbury’s shoppers, we were able to do both. A special note should go out to Maria Miller MP and the Mayor of Basingstoke who came to join us in our efforts on the Department of Media, Culture and Sports (DMCS) Local Charities Day.

Maria Miller and the Mayor of Basingstoke supporting the weekend

We were approached by many shoppers, many of which had different experiences and questions. Ceri Fletcher came over and said “thank you for all your support, while helping my son”. Others had never heard of YPI and were keen to know more, especially as they knew family members who could require the services we provide.

Ceri and David, just after she thanked YPI for all the support the charity gave her son

It was a successful weekend, the volunteers had lots of fun, we raised awareness of YPI and Mental Health. The additional funds will directly support the young people. We continue to work hard to realise our Vision “Striving to provide the best mental health support to young people and their families across Basingstoke and Deane”.

#weareYPI #MindMeHappy