One of the best things about being a local MP is meeting the amazing local charities that do so much to support our communities, charities like Platform for Life. I had the opportunity to speak with three of the fantastic team following their recent sponsored walk around Chester's historic City Walls just before Christmas. It may have been a wet and windy day, but that did not stop Alan and Ian completing their epic trek to raise awareness and much needed funds for the charity.
Platform for Life is a lifeline for many local families, offering vital mental health support to families in Chester, focusing their support in the areas of Lache, Blacon and Kingsway. The charity offers free counselling services to those who need it most, and over the past year alone, they have delivered an astonishing 3,300 individual counselling sessions. These numbers are more than just statistics; they represent real people in need of help, who have found comfort, guidance, and hope through the charity’s work.
Sadly, mental health issues are all too common, with suicide the biggest killer of people under the age of 35. Mental health challenges can be compounded for people living with disadvantage and Platform for Life focusses on addressing support in areas where need may be higher. The Platform for Life team shared with me some of the moving stories of young people they have supported. It was clear from those stories that the access to counselling and the number of sessions that the charity are able to offer has made a real difference to so many local families.
Christmas is a time of joy, but it can also be a difficult time for some people struggling with their mental health. As we enter a new year, January can be particularly challenging for many, your support could make a real difference. Please think of Platform for Life as we look forward to 2025 and donate if you can.
Platform for Life are currently welcoming donations at: https://platformforlife.org.uk/donate/
