Thousands needed for Derby’s Bridge the Gap to improve children’s mental health

From left, Nikki Webster and Jennifer Wyman at Bridge the Gap in Derby.

A Derby organisation that supports children with early intervention and emotional education has set out plans to raise £50,000 to help families in the city.

Bridge the Gap, in St Mary’s Gate, wants a Family Support Fund so children can access free support sessions with expert staff.

Jennifer Wyman, founder and director of the award-winning CIC, says turning families away who need support is heartbreaking.

The 47-year-old, who has worked with children and families for more than 20 years, said: “It really upsets me when we find out that a child can’t access sessions at Bridge the Gap because the family can’t afford it.”

“Early intervention should be available to every young person who needs it – and Derby is no exception. Emotional health has to be a priority for our children, so the Family Support Fund will reach children who need help to understand and navigate their emotions before they reach crisis point.”

Jennifer and Nikki Webster, director and clinical lead at Bridge the Gap, want to raise £50,000 at a fundraising gala on Thursday, March 26th, at Derby’s Valliant Live.

The formal black-tie event will be hosted by TV personality Baasit Siddiqui and includes a luxury three-course dinner. Special guests, Nigel Owens, one of the world’s greatest rugby referees, and Sean Heydon, magician and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist, will entertain guests.

There will be a chance to win a unique driving experience for 10 people in a raffle on the night and entries from Bridge the Gap’s Walk of Hope art competition will be showcased at the event. Twelve winning pieces of art will be displayed at Derby QUAD at the end of April in the Participation Studio.

Nikki, 39, said: “Lack of funds should not be a reason to turn a child away, but when we are already stretched financially, we simply have no choice. Jen and I believe that young people deserve the help to build authentic, emotional resilience and to protect their mental health through life’s ups and downs. With more money, we can ensure that every child in Derby feels hope.

“Children in Derby are struggling more than ever. Statistics show that children as young as eight are self-harming and struggling with suicidal thoughts. We need help – and we are asking for it now.

“We want to bring Derby together and show these children and their families that we care and we can help.”

Bridge the Gap set up in 2017 and supports hundreds of children and their families every month to reach positive long-term goals. Support groups and one-to-one sessions help children to build authentic emotional resilience and protects their mental health through life’s challenges.

Jennifer said: “Emotional literacy support isn’t a one-off lesson – it is something we need to embed. As a city, we need to show up for these young people. We need a legacy so we can help families and welcome them to Bridge the Gap.

“Please support us and come to this amazing event – we really need to support children’s mental health in our wonderful building. Bridge the Gap is more committed than ever to being a sustainable, long-term service that helps children know they matter, they are loved and they are not alone.”

There are 500 tickets on sale, and businesses are welcome to book tables of 10. To find out more about the event, visit www.derbygaladinner.co.uk

For more information about Bridge the Gap, visit: www.jwbridgethegap.com.