Response, the region’s largest independent mental health and housing charity, is marking a major milestone this year as it celebrates six decades of supporting people across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.
What began as a small, determined group of volunteers looking to improve mental health care in Oxford has grown into a wide-reaching organisation that now provides vital support for people aged 11 right through to those in the final years of life.
Over its 60 years, Response has developed a broad network of services designed to help people facing mental health challenges and complex needs live their lives to the fullest. Its work ranges from safe, stable housing and tailored support programmes to specialised services for children and young people aged 11 to 25, as well as families in need of guidance.
The charity also plays a key role in alleviating pressure on public services, working closely with local authorities and the NHS to support individuals with serious mental illness and those experiencing homelessness.
“It is with great pride that we celebrate our 60-year anniversary, allowing a wonderful opportunity to reflect on what the charity has achieved,” said Nicola Leavesley, Chief Executive of Response. “Response delivers extensive vital care to those who need it most, enabling them to live life to the best of their potential.
“We reduce pressure on public services, but we now face record, urgent, demand for our services and the need to fundraise to help us support more people has never been greater.”
Supported accommodation remains a core part of the charity’s work, matched carefully to the needs of each individual. Alongside mental health support and independent living skills, Response is committed to building emotional resilience in young people and offering guidance to people at every stage of their mental health journey.
“Our services offer a variety of supported accommodation to best suit the needs of individuals,” added Mrs Leavesley. “As well as providing mental health support, independent living skills and accommodation, we help develop young people’s emotional resilience, and work alongside people at all stages of their mental health journey.
“The services we offer continue to be critical to the community and those suffering with their mental health.
“Partnerships and collaborative working are key to positive outcomes for those we care for and we’re proud to have multiple strategic relationships.
“We couldn’t help so many people without the unrelenting dedication of our fantastic team who always go the extra mile to deliver exceptional care and my thanks go to everyone who makes a difference.”
To mark its diamond anniversary, the charity is inviting supporters to join the Dog Jog Virtual Challenge, in which dog owners can walk, jog or run any distance of their choice to raise funds for Response.
