There are many pressures on individuals, young and old, as we face the challenges of life in the 21st Century. We can be deeply affected by unexpected events such as the loss of a relative or close friend. These pressures and shocks can have serious effects on our mental health. We should not be afraid to discuss these issues openly, look for support, or help others address and overcome these challenges.
Our mental and physical health needs differ and vary over time. For many, as part of coping with stress and anxiety it can help to spend time closer to nature, outdoors and in the fresh air. Likewise, it can be useful to open the mind to the creative and performance arts – from painting, photography and sculpture to music, dance and theatre.
As with physical health issues, there is a place for medication in addressing some of our mental health needs. But we must be alert to the risk of children and young adults being tempted to resort to inappropriate use of drugs.
We provide information below on some of the charities and good causes we have supported because of their work in connection with mental health and wellbeing.
Organisations in Belgium:
Community Help Service
CHS is a non-profit organisation that has been supporting the international community in Belgium since 1971, regardless of nationality or circumstances. It includes a Mental Health Services Centre in Brussels – an international team of professional therapists providing support for a range of mental health issues. It also operates a 24/7 Helpline in English (staffed by a team of volunteers) for children, adolescents and adults.
Berrefonds
The Berrefonds is a non-profit organisation in Flanders that provides support to families and friends when the unthinkable happens to them: the loss of a child. It offers a wide range of services to help meet the different needs of affected families and individuals.
Organisations in the UK:
The Good Grief Project
The bereaved parents of Josh set up The Good Grief Project (a UK registered charity) to share their experience of grief and to help others to find an active and creative response to the expression of their grief. They provide comfort and support to families grieving after the untimely death of a loved one, particularly the death of a child. Through their work (including films, books and other projects) they also promote an understanding of what it means to grieve in a society that often has difficulty talking openly about death, dying and bereavement.
Southside Community Centre
The Southside Community Centre in Edinburgh describes itself as a place for leisure, learning and cultural exchange. The Centre is a registered charity in Scotland (Rob’s aunt Joanna is on the board of trustees). It has a range of accessible spaces, including meeting rooms, theatre space and a fully-equipped kitchen and café.
The Rob Trust helped set up the Centre’s “Coorie In” community café in 2022.