A mental health charity which supports people across three different counties is celebrating its 60-year anniversary.
Response, which operates across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, and beyond, provides support for people aged 11 and above, right through to those in the final years of life.
The charity, which initially started as a small group of spirited volunteers with a desire to change how care in Oxford was delivered, has since grown into the region’s largest independent mental health and housing charity.
Response provides essential well-being resources, tailored support programmes and safe stable housing, while offering specialised services for children and young people between the ages of 11 and 25, and for families who need support. It enables people experiencing mental health challenges and complex needs to live their lives to the full.
Nicola Leavesley, Chief Executive of Response, said:
“It is with great pride that we celebrate our 60-year anniversary, allowing a wonderful opportunity to reflect on what the charity has achieved.
“Response delivers extensive vital care to those who need it most, enabling them to live life to the best of their potential.
“We reduce pressure on public services, but we now face record, urgent demand for our services, and the need to fundraise to help us support more people has never been greater.”
Response provides services for local authorities and the NHS, including working with individuals with serious mental illness and those experiencing homelessness, who often face complex mental health challenges.
Mrs Leavesley said:
“Our services offer a variety of supported accommodations to best suit the needs of individuals.
“As well as providing mental health support, independent living skills and accommodation, we help develop young people’s emotional resilience, and work alongside people at all stages of their mental health journey.
“The services we offer continue to be critical to the community and those suffering with their mental health.
“Partnerships and collaborative working are key to positive outcomes for those we care for, and we’re proud to have multiple strategic relationships.
“We couldn’t help so many people without the unrelenting dedication of our fantastic team, who always go the extra mile to deliver exceptional care, and my thanks go to everyone who makes a difference.”
People can support Response during the charity’s 60-year anniversary by participating in its Dog Jog Virtual Challenge. The Dog Jog Virtual Challenge allows dog owners to walk, jog or run a distance of their choice in aid of charity.
Further information is available via: www.response.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising-events/dog-jog-virtual-challenge.
