A charity established after the tragic death of a young woman has celebrated three decades of helping young people overcome health challenges.
To celebrates its 30th anniversary, Visyon held an open afternoon and annual meeting marking its milestone of providing free mental health support to thousands of children since its founding in 1994.
The charity was established by Elizabeth and Richard Forester in response to the tragic suicide of their 16-year-old daughter Lucy, and its roots remain firmly in the local community. At the time we reported that Ms Forester was unable to obtain support because she fell through the gaps in mental health provision, and was unable to obtain support from the existing services.
Visyon remains the only service in the area offering mental health support free of charge to children and young people in the local community. Through its unique open access service, children, young people and their families can receive a face-to-face appointment within 10 days of making an initial call.
As well as treatment for young people facing recognised issues over the years it offered wider support, such as offering young people a place to do their homework if their domestic life did not allow it.
The charity said that children and young people lived in an increasingly complex and hyper-connected world, which could be hard to process and understand.
The charity said: “They are taking the first brave step to ask Visyon for support when they recognise that issues like anxiety, low mood, anger, self-harm or thoughts of suicide are impacting on their day to day lives, relationships, behaviour and ability to achieve their potential.
“These mental health issues can stem from factors including bullying, bereavement, illness, family challenges and the impacts of poverty.
“These issues have become more complex since the pandemic and associated lockdowns, interruptions to education schedule and the cost of living crisis.”
Visyon provides free, friendly and inclusive safe spaces from its main bases in and Crewe and Congleton and in schools across Cheshire East, to ensure that vulnerable children aged 11-19 are heard and have access to the information and support they need to talk openly about their mental health experiences.
Visyon said it could not let 2024 pass by without marking the opportunity with some special events, and one is a gourmet dining experience at The Academy Restaurant, Cheshire College South – the old Danebank College in Crewe – on 7th October, 7pm-10.30pm.
Diners will enjoy a welcome drink on arrival, a five-course meal prepared by students of the college, assisted on the night by celebrity and Michelin star chefs, matching wines with each course, access to the restaurant bar throughout the night and the chance to enter a luxury raffle and auction to raise funds. See visyon.org.uk/gourmetdiningexperience. Tickets start at £75.
