MANX LOTTERY TRUST SUPPORTS CROSSROADS WITH NEW MENTAL HEALTH PROJECT

Crossroads Isle of Man has been awarded £100,000 from Manx Lottery Trust’s 2022 Thematic Funding programme which will allow them to provide psychological support for carers and their families.

This is a new project launched by Crossroads designed to support carers and their loved ones with mental health and any trauma they may be dealing with. The grant will fund the employment and training of two mental health workers who will be solely dedicated to provide psychological support and a safe space for carers.

One of the roles has been filled by Carlie Maddrell, a Listening Practitioner, meaning support can now be offered to those in need.

The service will also act as a signposting service to other organisations, including Third Sector organisations such as Isle Listen and Cruse Bereavement, as well as statutory services such as CAMHS and the Community Mental Health Service for Adults. Crossroads will work together with these organisations to ensure carers and their families receive the relevant support.

Crossroads provides support to carers and people with care needs on the Isle of Man and has been doing so since being established in 1988.

Jackie Betteridge, CEO of Crossroads, said: ‘We are extremely grateful for this incredible grant from the Manx Lottery Trust, it really will make a monumental difference for the wonderful carers on our Island.

‘Crossroads has been providing practical support for carers, such as giving them respite, but in recent years we have all seen how increasingly apparent mental health issues have become and we recognise that more needs to be done to support carers on their journey. Thanks to the Manx Lottery Trust, we can be dedicated to supporting carers and their families in every aspect.’

As part of the initiative, the new mental health support workers will receive accredited mental health and trauma training, mediation and intensive interaction training, and also counselling training.

Stephen Turner, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, added: ‘The theme of last year’s Thematic Funding was ‘Together for Better’, where we asked applicants to show themes of collaboration and a positive long-term impact. Crossroads were successful in showing how they would collaborate with other organisations towards positive long-term impact in its new project, so we were pleased to award funding to provide much-needed mental health support for the carer community.’

This grant is from Manx Lottery Trust’s Community Awards Programme. Manx Lottery Trust has been delegated to distribute National Lottery money from The National Lottery Community Fund. To find out more, visit: www.mlt.org.im