County Durham charity ‘If You Care Share’ is urging people to talk about their mental health

County Durham charity ‘If You Care Share’ is urging people to talk about their mental health, in light of Remember A Charity Week.

The North East has the highest suicide rate in the UK and is the biggest killer of men between 25 and 40.

‘If U Care Share' was set up in memory of Daniel O'Hare who took his own life at 19.

Dominic McDonough, spokesman for ‘If U Care Share’ says we need to talk more about our feelings: “Talking about your feelings is still a taboo. We want people to talk to each other and get into a routine of being very open and talking about their feelings. It really can save lives.

“You are not alone, there is help out there either through friends, family and professional organisations.”

The charity provides emotional and practical support with three aims; prevention, intervention and support after suicide.

Shirley Smith, Daniel’s mother and Founder of If U Care Share says: “Our aim is to prevent anyone feeling the pain we felt as a family when we lost Daniel. We truly believe that talking can save lives.”

They designed a wristband that carried our message “If U Care Share” to encourage young people to “share” their problems instead of burying them within.

After receiving support from Suzanne, a family friend who also happened to be a Samaritan, the children began to raise awareness and fundraised for this organisation. They eventually accumulated over £48,000, which was used for young people’s projects within the Samaritan’s North East region.

If U Care Share also has a support and advice service called “TEAMH” which stands for Tackling Emotional and Mental Health who deliver emotional and mental health workshops in football clubs and schools across the country.

They strongly believe young people have the power to change the culture and see people's lives saved and communities changed for the better.

You can donate to If U Care Share online at https://www.ifucareshare.co.uk/about-us/donat