The campaign supports young people who are at risk of developing depression and other mental health issues.
Dacres provided a raffle prize offering a generous discount off either a sale or letting fee, for a fundraising evening held at Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club. The event raised more than £3,000 for The Blues Programme, which is an internationally acclaimed preventative course aimed at people aged 15-18 years-old who are suffering from, or who are at risk of developing a mental health disorder.
The programme, which works with schools and colleges, is organised by Action for Children and receives funding from Royal Mail. Students complete surveys that help identify anyone who could be at risk of developing depression or mental health issues. They then participate in a six-week course that is run by trained Action for Children specialists, known as ‘blues busters’, who run group sessions that build group rapport, teach cognitive restructuring techniques and highlight a range of coping strategies.
Joanna Speight, Area Lettings Manager at Dacres, says: “It’s now estimated that every classroom in Britain has three children with a diagnosable mental health illness, which is a startling statistic. The Blues Programme aims to reach thousands of young people who are at risk of developing depression and other mental health issues, and make sure they get the help they need. It’s therefore a great initiative and we’re delighted to be able to support it.”
Locally, Dacres also supports Ilkley Carnival, the Burley Summer Festival, Ilkley Football Club, Ilkley Rugby Club and Ben Rhydding’s hockey club. For more information call the Ilkley office on 01943 600655.
