Expansion on the horizon for Blackpool mental health charity

Stand Together and Recover (STAR) mental health charity will move to its very own premises on Church Street in Blackpool town centre in January.

The decision to move from its current home at Claremont Park Community Centre came about to encourage even more people to open up about their mental health struggles.

Jessica Johnson, 32, from Bispham, set up STAR in February 2018 after coming out of therapy herself.

She suffers with Bipolar disorder (BPD) and felt more support was needed for those with mental health struggles in Blackpool.

Jessica said: "I was diagnosed with BPD when I was around 19, and I've always been in and out of therapy.

"I wanted to set my own group up to support people like me, and I knew if we all had our own struggles we'd be able to help each other get through them.

"We see anyone here, it's about social inclusion. We don't exclude anyone.

"We don't care what your issues are, whether its depression, anxiety, BPD or anything else, we're here to help everyone.

"We see people of all backgrounds and ages, from 18 to 84 years old."

Jessica began STAR at Claremont Park Community Centre for two days a week, and the success of the group saw it become a registered charity in February this year.

Before the coronavirus pandemic hit, 40 people would visit the charity's sessions to share their struggles and seek support from their peers.

But since social distancing measures have been put in place, the community centre only has room for half of those people.

Now Miss Johnson, who is training to be a counsellor at Blackpool and The Fylde College, is opening up in a new premises on Church Street in the new year for five days a week.

She continued: "Covid has been a nightmare, we've not been able to have as many people here but we're really excited about opening for longer and in a bigger space.

"It's not just for me, it's for everyone. All of our volunteers have struggled with mental health issues, and they volunteered after coming here themselves.

"We want people to get involved in whatever it is they like to do, so we'll have different activities set up to meet their interests.

"I've felt sometimes myself that I haven't been heard, so if anyone out there is struggling, we are here for you."

STAR will be open over the Christmas and New Year period for anyone who needs help with their mental health.

Get in touch with them online to book an appointment. It is thanks to our loyal readers that we can continue to provide the trusted news, analysis and insight that matters to you. For unlimited access to our unrivalled local reporting, you can take out a subscription here and help support the work of our dedicated team of reporters.