Mental health charity Response has launched its 2026 Christmas Appeal, aiming to reach at least 150 additional young people across Oxfordshire with vital early mental health support.
The county’s largest independent mental health charity is seeking to raise £42,717 before the end of the year to recruit, train and equip a full-time wellbeing youth worker in 2026.
The new role will be based at Response’s recently opened Wellbeing Hub, which launched in October, and will provide preventative, open-access support to young people in the local area.
The appeal comes at a critical time. New data from the Children’s Commissioner shows that the number of children with active referrals to Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services has risen by almost 10,000 in the past year, reaching 958,200. At the same time, suicide rates among 15 to 19 year olds are now at their highest level in 30 years.
Response says the additional youth worker will help the charity intervene earlier, preventing mental health difficulties from escalating or reaching crisis point.
Nicola Leavesley, CEO of Response, said:
“Christmas should be a time of joy for all people, particularly children.
“But the coming weeks will feel anything but festive for thousands of young people who are experiencing their own personal challenges right now.
“We are in the midst of a mental health crisis, and it is the responsibility of our team to work with families before crisis strikes.
“Already, we are seeing positive outcomes from the launch of our new wellbeing hub in Thatcham. But, ultimately, demand for our services continues to outweigh resource which is why we have launched our Christmas appeal.”
One of the young people supported by Response is Jeremy, a 15-year-old who is autistic. Earlier this year, Jeremy was forced to leave school after experiencing bullying, which led to thoughts of self-harm.
He was referred to Response’s Wellbeing Hub in Thatcham, where he has been receiving one-to-one support from the charity’s sole wellbeing youth worker.
Over the past six months, Jeremy has begun to rebuild his confidence and develop ways to manage his anxiety. His parents are now looking for a new school where he can feel safe, understood and able to thrive.
Nicola added:
“Jeremy’s story epitomises how, with the right guidance, our team can intervene to support young people in their moment of need and potentially avoid crisis.
“There will be hundreds – possibly thousands – of others in our operating patch who will be experiencing hardship equivalent to Jeremy while he was in school right now.
“We want to work with those children, and help them aspire to a bright future where they can be the best version of themselves.”
Response says the festive season can be particularly challenging for many families, both emotionally and practically.
The charity is encouraging people who are able to support the appeal to do so, emphasising that every donation will go directly towards helping young people in need.
Donations made through the appeal will have double the impact, as funds raised will be match-funded by The Greenham Trust.
