Did you know that in 2022, a young man tragically lost his life on the streets of Birmingham, West Midlands? In response, the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership reached out to us at First Class Foundation for support and consultation. They asked: What can be done to make a difference for high-risk young people involved in youth violence and gang activity? This question led to the creation of a specialist team that began engaging with young people in targeted hotspot areas, particularly after hours, from 6pm till late at night, during the times when they were most at risk. We focused on those deemed "hard to reach" and considered the most problematic by the system. Before starting our intervention, our team went through extensive training in safeguarding, de-escalation techniques, and collaborating with multiple agencies to ensure we could make a meaningful impact. The results were significant. We were able to demonstrate engagement and positive outcomes. However, despite our efforts, some young lives in Birmingham were still tragically lost to serious violence. This painful reality forced our team to extend our services to include pastoral and family support for those impacted by the trauma of such violence. This is the first time we’ve publicly shared the work we’ve been doing since 2022. (It wasn't easy, but important as reflective practitioners.) It provides a unique insight into the challenges practitioners face when working in sensitive and often heartbreaking situations. For instance, we’ve supported a family for three consecutive days, around the clock, while a young person was on life support. We’ve walked alongside families during the unimaginable grief of funeral services for young lives lost too soon. We also reflect honestly on the personal toll this work has taken on our team, and the importance of clinical supervision and personal therapy to maintain our well-being. Tune in to Episode 2 today to get a glimpse into the work of the Black Jackets team. A huge thank you to all the partners who have supported us over the last two years. Sustaining this work hasn’t been easy, especially with cuts to services, but we continue exploring ways to keep this much-needed work going. Recently, we were able to offer support to a family and do some behind-the-scenes work with young people, only made possible through kind private donations to our charity. Another conversation for another day, but what breaks our hearts is how reactive the whole system is 💔—not thinking about long-term proactive PREVENTION initiatives CONFESSIONS OF a YOUTH WORKER #YouthIntervention #ViolencePrevention #CommunityImpact #MentalHealthSupport #BlackJacketsTeam #YouthSupport
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💙 Supporting Each Other, Finding Hope Together 💙 At Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS), we believe in the power of community, compassion, and shared strength. Losing a loved one to suicide is an unimaginable tragedy, but no one should have to face that journey alone. Every day, we witness the incredible resilience of those who, despite their loss, find a way to heal and help others in their time of need. Our charity is here to offer support, understanding, and a safe space for everyone affected by suicide. Together, we are rebuilding lives, fostering hope, and breaking the silence surrounding bereavement by suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with loss, know that there's a network of caring individuals ready to listen, support, and uplift. Bereavement is a process, and we're here every step of the way. 🌟 Let's continue to raise awareness, show kindness, and be there for one another. 💪💙 #Support #MentalHealthAwareness #Community #Hope #SOBS #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence
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🚦Did you know that 79% of people believe families impacted by road crashes should receive the same level of support as victims of homicide? That’s why Brake, the road safety charity, is using Road Safety Week, its biggest annual campaign, to launch a new Road Victims’ Charter. The Charter calls for essential actions to ensure those affected by road crashes get the respect, support, and justice they deserve. Because road casualties are not just statistics — they’re people, families, and communities. Learn more about Brake’s important mission this Road Safety Week via Fleet News. #RoadSafetyWeek #RoadVictims
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🚦Did you know that 79% of people believe families impacted by road crashes should receive the same level of support as victims of homicide? That’s why Brake, the road safety charity, is using Road Safety Week, its biggest annual campaign, to launch a new Road Victims’ Charter. The Charter calls for essential actions to ensure those affected by road crashes get the respect, support, and justice they deserve. Because road casualties are not just statistics — they’re people, families, and communities. Learn more about Brake’s important mission this Road Safety Week via Fleet News. #RoadSafetyWeek #RoadVictims
Brake calls for Road Victims’ Charter at the start of Road Safety Week
fleetnews.co.uk
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🚦Did you know that 79% of people believe families impacted by road crashes should receive the same level of support as victims of homicide? That’s why Brake, the road safety charity, is using Road Safety Week, its biggest annual campaign, to launch a new Road Victims’ Charter. The Charter calls for essential actions to ensure those affected by road crashes get the respect, support, and justice they deserve. Because road casualties are not just statistics — they’re people, families, and communities. Learn more about Brake’s important mission this Road Safety Week via Fleet News. #RoadSafetyWeek #RoadVictims
Brake calls for Road Victims’ Charter at the start of Road Safety Week
fleetnews.co.uk
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🚦Did you know that 79% of people believe families impacted by road crashes should receive the same level of support as victims of homicide? That’s why Brake, the road safety charity, is using Road Safety Week, its biggest annual campaign, to launch a new Road Victims’ Charter. The Charter calls for essential actions to ensure those affected by road crashes get the respect, support, and justice they deserve. Because road casualties are not just statistics — they’re people, families, and communities. Learn more about Brake’s important mission this Road Safety Week via Fleet News. #RoadSafetyWeek #RoadVictims
Brake calls for Road Victims’ Charter at the start of Road Safety Week
fleetnews.co.uk
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Did You Know? Many formerly incarcerated individuals face significant mental health challenges, often compounded by trauma before and during incarceration. Tragically, only a small percentage receive the care they need after release, leaving them vulnerable and unsupported. At Second Chance Center, we know that reintegration isn’t just about securing housing or employment—it’s about healing. That’s why we provide comprehensive counseling and behavioral health services to ensure our client-partners have the emotional and mental support they need to rebuild their lives. We’re here to break the cycle, offering the resources and care that foster resilience and opportunity. Everyone deserves a second chance—and together, we can make it happen. This Colorado Gives Day, join us in creating a lasting impact. Your donation will help us continue to transform lives, one-second chance at a time. 👉 Donate today: https://lnkd.in/g2Dg95mp #MentalHealthMatters #SecondChances #TraumaInformedCare #ReentrySupport #ColoradoGives #BreakingTheCycle
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The demand for mental health services has surged since the pandemic. For those who are struggling, navigating the maze of resources available and insurance coverage can be overwhelming. CATHOLIC CHARITIES DIOCESE OF METUCHEN is addressing this pressing need with its Mental Health Navigator, a new program that will offer vital resources and advocacy to ensure those seeing mental health services receive the care they deserve. The Mental Health Navigator services are available for free to those in four New Jersey counties, regardless of faith, ethnicity, and income. https://bit.ly/3UnFY3G #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
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Combating Honour-Based Abuse and Forced Marriage 📢 Yesterday we concluded our Honour-Based Abuse and Forced Marriage Digital Conference, which brought together experts, the Government, charities, and frontline practitioners to enhance multi-agency collaboration. 🌐 Event Highlights: 📣Keynote Speakers - Insights from the Home Office and Women and Equalities Committee. 📣Lived Experiences- Understanding the complexities of HBA and forced marriage from survivors. 📣Safeguarding Measures- Effective strategies and funding opportunities for victim support. 📣Community Impact- Addressing the prevalence of HBA across diverse cultures and dispelling misconceptions. 📣Open Discussions-Tackling systemic challenges faced by victims and frontline organisations. 📣Accurate Reporting- Identifying signs and indicators to improve HBA case reporting. 📣Building Trust- Strengthening trust to increase prosecutions and improve multi-agency collaboration. Thank you to all who participated and contributed to making this event a success! 📺 Watch a clip below from our speaker Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP for Romsey and Southampton North, Chair, Women and Equalities Committee. #HonourBasedAbuse #ForcedMarriage #Safeguarding #SupportSurvivors #HBA #PublicSafety
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🌟 **RU OK Day: More Than Just a Day** 🌟 Just two weeks ago, we observed RU OK Day, but it's crucial to remember that this should be a daily ritual. Asking our friends, colleagues, and family "RU OK?" can initiate meaningful conversations that might change everything for the better and help prevent tragedy. You don't need to be an expert in mental health, and it doesn’t cost anything to reach out with that simple question. Last week, my dear friend faced an unimaginable loss with the passing of her daughter, Savana. She was a beautiful soul who left this world far too soon, and her family is heartbroken. The news of her passing is now in the media, allowing me to share this on LinkedIn. I’m sharing this here because many professionals struggle to open up about mental health, fearing it may be perceived as weakness. It’s essential to create a safe space for these conversations whether in business or in personal life. If Savana's story resonates with you and you feel compelled to support her family during this difficult time, please consider contributing to their GoFundMe page linked below. Donations will not bring her back, but they will help provide the family with the support they need to give her the send-off she deserves. ❤️ [Support Savana's Family](https://gofund.me/a1d97d32) Let’s continue to check in on one another and foster a culture of support and compassion. We can all make a difference by asking the question. RU OK? 💙 #RUOK #MentalHealthAwareness #sydney
Donate to Savana's Funeral Fund and Help for the Calvo Family, organised by Adam St John - Foti
gofundme.com
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The privilege, challenge and overall grace of sometimes being very identifiable as a minister. In my tradition, deacons tend to not wear identifiable "garb" outside of church-based gatherings. The exception is that we are invited to wear it while in "ministry in the far margins," where folks benefit from quickly knowing whether one is friend or foe. Hence, several of us wear them on the nighttime streets and in areas of homelessness and suffering. There is a conscious decision needed when donning something as simple as a clerical shirt, especially when leaving the confines of a church to minister in areas of suffering. You must be ready to be present to the person in front of you... and to love them... knowing that people will approach you with all sorts of motivations. (The greatest understatement is that the church has not always been as loving as God would like us to be.) The only way we can go forth is as an instrument of Love... a conduit of Peace. It's not something we do on our own. Perhaps most sensitively and importantly, I have been in position to help at least a couple people connect with the Victim Assistance Helpline, to seek healing from past experiences of clergy abuse. More info on that resource here: https://lnkd.in/gmTbg7xY Sometimes I think all my years of formation and street walking was just to be there for those couple folks. The majority of reactions I get on the streets are relatively benign. "Oh, nice to see you out here," etc. Many will ask for prayers for deep and profound needs. It's always a privilege to connect. Occasionally, someone will see me talking with someone who is down on their luck, and they will hand me some cash to "keep doing whatever I'm doing..." (I often use it for something for that very person in need. Otherwise it's donated.). Sometimes, the reactions are more "intense." One person told me, "Well, it's about time you got out of your church and came out here and help the community!" I agree. I take it as a very "assertive welcome." Apparently we're in the right place. Apparently, they'd like it if more of us were out here! I am thankful to be as identifiable as needed, especially if I can be used as an agent of service or healing in any way big or small. Lord, help us to grow as one in your healing, merciful love. (ref. John 17:21) May the Lord give you peace this day and always.
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