what we do
mental health Campaign
what we do
At our centres, we work with girls and women who face multiple challenges - including poverty, abuse, unemployment and unhealthy relationships. Many of them appear to be functioning fairly normally, but in reality they are struggling to cope. Our survey reveals that the experiences of the girls and women we work with are not unique. Across England and Wales, millions of girls and women are affected in this way.
The stress, depression and low self-esteem they suffer often prevents them moving on in their lives - to new relationships, finding work or new opportunities.
At Platform 51 we offer one-to-one counselling and also work with women in groups. Women suddenly discover they are not alone with their problems. They can share experiences, talk freely and express their worries without the fear of being judged and, of course, get the help they need.
Case study: Our work in Knowsley
In Knowsley, Merseyside, we work in partnership with the local Improving Access to Psychological Therapies service which bases two staff at our centre. Our centre manager in Knowsley says: “Women need somewhere to go where the issues and problems they face are not internalised or medicalised.”
And so they come to us, sometimes referred to us by other agencies. Our staff discuss any concerns or fears the women have. For many girls, this is the first time they have talked to anyone about their difficulties. Many are reluctant to discuss anything with their GP for fear of being judged, labelled or not taken seriously. The fact that they can come to us without a GP referral means that many more women can get the attention and support they need before they reach crisis point.
“The IAPT partnership between primary care mental health and Platform 51 makes psychological wellbeing services more accessible to local women. It allows women to have more choice about their own mental healthcare” - Julie Mason, Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (IAPT)
Please support us and help us to maintain these services for women in Knowsley and at our other centres in England and Wales.
read our report
Our 24-page research report describes the common triggers for mental health problems in girls and women and the impact of poor mental health. The report examines how women cope, how they feel about the support they receive and makes recommendations for change.
support us
With your support we really can make a lasting difference to girls and women right now and for the rest of their lives. Isn't that the best gift of all?
