Response becomes Opendoorz Charity of the Year
We've received a new year’s boost after being backed by a group of local business leaders, owners and directors.
As a charity we support those living with serious mental illness and complex needs to live as independently as possible through supported housing while providing preventative care to reduce the need for crisis intervention.
Response has now been named as Charity of the Year by Opendoorz’ Frilford group, a local business networking organisation.
As Charity of the Year, Response’s senior leadership team will be able to fundraise and network with a broad range of business owners specialising in multiple spaces with professional support provided where necessary.
There will also be opportunities for the charity to showcase its work to members and explain how its team works engages those with complex mental health issues to help them live their life to the full.
What Charity of the Year means to Response
Emma Murphy, Associate Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at Response, said: “We’re really grateful to Opendoorz and its Frilford Group for this nomination.
“Having the opportunity to fundraise and develop strong relationships with Oxfordshire’s most connected business leaders is a huge opportunity for Response during a critical period.
“We know rates of mental illness in England have been steadily rising, with data from the British Medical Association telling us that 25% of young people aged 17 to 19 and more than 17% of eight to 16 year olds live with a mental disorder.
“The percentage of adults with a mental health issue has increased too, from 17.6% in 2007 to 22.6% today.
“Put simply, demand for statutory and community mental health services is increasing and, in many cases, demand is outstripping supply.
“This is why early intervention and supported housing matter more than ever - helping people stay well, prevent their mental health from reaching crisis point, reduce the need for hospital admissions or time on psychiatric wards, and support recovery in a stable home where possible.
“We’re big believers in the power of collaboration to achieve positive outcomes and look forward to working with Opendoorz members to help empower those we work with to achieve their full potential.”
Launched in 2011 by Cathy Dunbabin and Sonia Kearns, Opendoorz hosts regular group meetings and monthly guest events for members who share expertise, knowledge and experiences from their sector.
Caroline O’Connor, Associate Director of Opendoorz Frilford, added: “Although people’s perception of mental illness has shifted significantly in recent years, it remains a critical issue.
“Those affected are more likely to seek professional help today compared to even a few years ago. But, often, accessing the necessary support can be challenging.
“It’s why Response resonated so strongly with our members, and we’re so pleased to welcome the charity into our group in recognition of the outstanding work its team delivers locally.
“We hope this small gesture can contribute to making a big difference to the lives of those Response engages.”
Challenge 28 - get involved this February!
We have also launched Challenge 28 in February, where participants are asked to complete 28 miles during the month in a way that works for them.
It comes after figures from the Children’s Commissioner found 28% of children and young people who were referred to statutory mental health services in 2022 and 2023 were still waiting for support a year later.
Participants are challenged to complete 28 miles across February, at a pace and in a way that suits them, whether spread across the month or done all at once.
