Young people’s charity Sheffield Futures recently launched a self-care clothing range to help break down stigmas regarding mental health.
Exposed spoke to Tash Bright from the charity to discuss the initiative and how their preventative mental health service Door 43 provides vital assistance for 13-25 year olds in the city.
Tell us a bit about Sheffield Futures and Door 43. Who do they support and what kind of help can they access through your services?
We provide mentoring and specialist support for people aged 13-25 who need it most. Anyone can drop in as and when they need us without being put on a waiting list. We’re open every weekday and Saturday mornings for people to come and seek the help they need. We also have a wellbeing café which runs on a Tuesday between 5-7pm. Usually, it’s based on a theme and we’ll have a discussion around it. For example, one week we watched Black Mirror and then discussed the impact social media has on people’s moods, how easy it is to become obsessed with ‘likes’ these days and why that can create problems with emotional wellbeing.
What impact are you hoping the launch of the Self Care Clothing range will have?
What we’re trying to do is start a conversation. If somebody says, “I like your t-shirt” it’s about being able to say, “Oh, it’s actually in support of Door 43” and spreading the word. Inside every piece of clothing is a tag which says ‘we hope you’re looking after yourself’ – a little reminder to the people wearing the item that we’re here.
What would be your advice to any young person who feels like they are struggling?
I’d encourage them to come along to the drop-in sessions at Door 43, which are between 11am-3pm during the week and Saturday mornings. There’s always someone to talk to, and it’s a safe space if they want somewhere to think things through. We’re based on Division Street and easy to get to. Our ground floor space has doubled in size and we’ll have a Health Zone to focus specifically on physical and mental health.
Quotes from young people who have used the Door 43 service
“I was asked to go to Door 43 by my mum, because she realised that my mood had got really low. As soon as I started coming here I realised it’s a safe space where we can talk about our feelings. I enjoy spending time here and talking about the struggles that we’ve been through. If this service wasn’t here I think that I would struggle a lot with low moods. I think coming here has encouraged me and given me motivation for life and gives me something to look forward to.” – Sam
“The thing I like about Door 43 is that the people are really welcoming and really kind. It really feels like everyone cares for you and everyone’s really willing to help you out.” – James
Self Care Clothing is available to purchase from Syd & Mallory or online at sheffieldfutures.org.uk
Star House, 43 Division Street, Sheffield, S1 4GE // 0114 201 8647 | 07580 714 860
