There’s Always Another Way
One local woman has found a way to make a big impact, providing vital services and support in west Cumbria.
In recent years, West Cumbria has experienced a lack of support when it comes to mental health. Jo Haigh from Thornhill, near Egremont, wants to change this and after just a year, what was once a budding idea is expanding and growing exponentially. Things are beginning to happen.
With a degree in Mental Health and Health & Social Care, as well as 10 years’ experience in the mental health sector and an avid volunteer for many local charities, Jo began to realise the strain on mainstream service provisions and the lack of alternative options.
In 2016, with the help of some like-minded friends, she began the process of setting up a social enterprise, using her phrase to establish a community interest company “Always Another way, Cumbria.” Their aim was to identify and meet local need, whether through events, fundraisers, projects or groups.
Initially Jo developed self-management mental health toolkits containing daily management tips and strategies for those suffering from mental health disorders such as Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Anxiety. She also launched an LGBTQ project in Copeland, for those aged 8-24 and their families.
One year on and Always Another Way are now a Hate Crime reporting Hub. The team have been serving food and drinks at Gosforth Craft Fair and they offer face painting, glitter tattoo’s and hair feathers for events and private parties. These events help to raise money for local community projects.
Jo’s determination and passion for Always Another Way stems from her own experiences. She has experienced first-hand the effects of mental health disorders.
She said: “Living with Bipolar Disorder and physical disabilities isn’t easy, but then again, life never is. Everyone needs a little help sometimes, whether it’s to enjoy life, access support from those who have been there or simply to be themselves.”
It isn’t just her own health that Jo has found difficult, she also has a transgender 14 year old daughter, Mya.
Jo explained: “She told me when she was only five years old that she thought she was a girl. She was so young at the time and there was so little support, we weren’t sure what to do, we had a very angry five year old.”
These feelings didn’t change and when Mya was eight years old she began identifying as female, with Jo’s support. During this time Jo searched for any help that was accessible within the community, but found that there was very little support, not only for her daughter, but for herself and other parents going through similar things.
Jo now works with The Friends and Supporters of Furness LGBT, PiNC, Outreach Cumbria, Sticky Bits Café (Carlisle), Mermaids and Translakes, to help meet this need. Each group signposting to the other where appropriate and collaborating to provide a support network across the county for the LGBTQ Community.
The LGBTQ support group is lead by Alice Shepperd, a friend of Jo’s, who has hopes of bringing change to West Cumbria and the local LGBTQ community.
Jo said: “Without the help from volunteers like Alice I wouldn’t be able to do this.”
She continued: “It’s with huge thanks to Neil and Lynette Bond at 24 Wellness Club that we now have a venue on the Sneckyeat industrial estate in Hensingham. We are now able to set up our hub and expand again to meet and address local need through projects, events and activities.”
In the future, Always Another Way hope to facilitate youth projects, support projects for those with disabilities, consultancy, mentorship and any other projects to meet local need. However, expanding means more volunteers, funding, support and donations in order to finance the venture, pay two full time members of staff and set up the hub facilities.
They hope to create new opportunities for both their own fundraising, as well as any other local charities, community groups and good causes by holding a Bubble Football Tournament on Friday 25 August, from 11am – 5pm, with thanks to the Windscale A.F.C., SASRA, WHIS and Bubbles ‘R’ Us at Egremont Falcon Club. Each team entered can raise sponsorship and everyone can have a fun, family – and no doubt, very funny – day out, while supporting many different great causes.
For more information on Bubble Football, or if you would like to donate, support or volunteer with the team, email alwaysanotherwaycumbria@yahoo.
