We're still collecting donations
On the 18th April 2023 we'd raised £3,035 with 49 supporters in 28 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.
Opening Doors 2023 - Helping More Teens & Parents
by Green Hub Project for Teens in Godalming, Surrey, United Kingdom
Total raised £4,760
raised so far+ est. £358.75
52
supportersA local community project - based in Milford, Godalming - supporting young people who are struggling with anxiety and mental health issues.
by Green Hub Project for Teens in Godalming, Surrey, United Kingdom
New stretch target
The more money we raise, the more we will be able to interact with parents and teens struggling with the trauma of social, emotional and mental health issues. Achieving a higher target will allow us to offer more teen sessions, and more access more parents desperately in need of a support group.
This is what one parent told us …
“One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do is support our 11yr old daughter during a mental health crisis. Being thrown into something we had no experience of, with limited support available to her, let alone us, as parents, we were left isolated, lonely, scared & desperate.
"As days turned into weeks, weeks into months, & months into years, every day continues to be a fight for services & support. We’re exhausted, in constant survival mode.
"The best support for me comes from likeminded families who (sadly) have similar lived experience. Having a safe space where I can talk, cry, vent & share is invaluable.
"Living with someone who suffers with mental ill health can be suffocating & debilitating but, as parents, the best way we can support our children during their darkest times, is to put on our own oxygen masks before theirs, which is why parental support groups can be such a lifeline.”
Who are we?
The Green Hub Project for Teens is a local community project - based in Milford, Godalming - supporting young people who are struggling with anxiety, emotional and mental health issues through social and therapeutic horticulture.
At the heart of the project is our beautiful, walled garden in Milford where we host groups of teens each weekend, 12 months of the year.
In 2023 we want to raise £3000 so that we can open our doors even wider by …
- Helping teens who are not engaged with school (mid week)
- Helping pre-teens (11-12) who are experiencing anxiety
- And by supporting parents who are struggling with the complexity of supporting and communicating with their children, who are experiencing anxiety and trauma
Community impact
In the last few years there has been a dramatic rise in hospital admissions of teenagers struggling with anxiety, suicidal thoughts, serious self-harm, anorexia and much more.
- 1 in 8 have diagnosable mental health disorder
- 1 in 6 (16-24) show symptoms such as depression or anxiety
- 50% mental health problems manifest by age 14
- And 75% by age 24
It is clear that this problem is not going away and is damaging more and more of our children’s lives and in some tragic cases destroying them. The NHS mental health services for teenagers and children, despite being staffed by wonderful, committed people, simply can’t keep up – they are overwhelmed. The waiting lists for help are months long, leaving struggling teenagers and their desperately worried parents with no where to go.
Although the Green Hub can’t provide medical care it can provide a safe haven of peace and calm where anxious teenagers can go. Working outside in nature is proven to raise levels of ‘happiness hormones’ and these teenagers can be part of a worthwhile project which gives a sense of achievement.
We know our approach works ... see our parent and teen stories here>>
How we’ll spend the money raised
In order to extend our services in 2023, we need to recruit and train more adult volunteers (paying for DBS security checks, safeguarding training, first aid courses and so forth). We also want to set up a regular support group for parents, which will incur costs for a private and confidential venue, plus fees for a professional facilitator to offer guidance and advice. Your help with this will be invaluable.
We have been overwhelmed by the support of the local community since we began just 18 months ago. We have realised that our message touches a nerve with so many who have experienced mental health issues, either directly or indirectly. Crowdfunding seems a natural source for us to tap in to.
Rewards
This project offered rewards
£25 or more
Craft & Planting Hero!
£25 covers the costs of planting and craft supplies for all of our teens for a WHOLE WEEK. Having focused activities that the teens can engage with is fundamental to the Green Hub garden. These young people want structure and clarity - not to be bombarded with decisions and debate, adding to their stress and overwhelm. Having well planned activities, all set up and ready to go, gives them plenty of choice of projects they can get straight into.
£50 or more
Personalised Planting Pot
£50 covers the cost of planting and craft supplies for all our teens for TWO WEEKS. This gives them structured and focused activities to engage and interest them. As a THANK YOU for your generosity, our teens will paint a delightful personalised Planting Pot for you to use. Just let us know what name or message you’d like on it.
£150 or more
Sponsor a NEW Volunteer
Every new volunteer we recruit needs to the checked on the DBS register, as well as going through up to FOUR training courses to ensure they are fully safeguard and first aid trained. Along with their branded garden wear, this costs £150. If you sponsor a Volunteer, we’ll get the teens to paint a pair of beautiful personalised planting pots for you, as well as you (plus one) being our VIP guests at Green Hub’s Open Garden Sunday on 21st May.