Patrick M Barrett’s Post

This weekend I struggled to switch off after more local devistaing news. Only to wake up Monday with another close call in exactly the same place. Now Tuesday news of another life gone too soon! I’m part of the local suicide prevention task group from a lived perspective. Unfortunately the red tape slows things down way too much, to even feel like I’m actually helping. I’m currently feeling like the only way things will change is if I actually do something about it myself. I’m looking at ways to fund a 24 hour crisis café for St.Helens as a CIC. I’m going to need help, it’s not something I can do on my own but it’s needed. I’ve definitely not seen any government funding for mental health in a while, so the council can’t have any extra funds. It’s the only way I can see anything happing in a time scale that could help. Thankfully today I got to do a clay bird workshop for my Fly Free project. This will be a mosaic on Derbyshire hill family centre in Parr, the aim is community cohesion. Funded by St.Helens councils resettlement team. Now I’ve been saying art is the answer for years and today proved this! Some of the conversations lead to some possible answers into the recent increase in suicides in men locally. Now to see what I can do to help! This can’t go on, we need some serious changes and fast not in a couple of years. #suicideprevention #StHelens #PublicHealth #community #mentalhealth #trauma #wellbeing #art #conversations #pantry #schoolholidays #support #livedexperience

🌍 Why HeartProfit Exists: Seeing the Bigger Problem 🌍 After years of volunteer work—spanning children’s mental health, foster care, drug courts, and homelessness—I began seeing a heartbreaking pattern: our kids are breaking down at younger ages, and our systems can’t keep up. Kids are coming to school with mental health issues as early as five, and some therapy organizations are so overwhelmed that they’ve stopped adding to their waiting lists. The needs are growing, resources are limited, and addiction rates are rising. This is the world we live in, and it’s clear that something different has to be done. This is where HeartProfit comes in. We’re building a movement to tackle these issues and create a world where everyone has the chance to thrive. 💙 #HeartProfit #MentalHealthMatters #FutureOfWellBeing #CompassionateLeadership #SocialImpact #HeartBasedSolutions

We are excited to share that JFS NEPA has been awarded a generous grant of $75,000 from the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation! Over the next three years, this funding will be instrumental in enhancing the vital social services we provide to our community. By supporting the retention of skilled social workers, this grant will enable us to expand access to crucial services, particularly in areas like mental health, family support, and overall community well-being. As the demand for social workers rises, especially in the face of mental health challenges, this funding will ensure that professional counseling services remain available to those who need them most. We are deeply grateful to the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation for their ongoing commitment to improving the health and quality of life in our region. This support will allow us to continue empowering individuals and families to navigate complex issues such as addiction, abuse, depression, and more—ultimately helping them lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. #JFSEPA #CommunitySupport #MentalHealth #SocialWork #NonprofitImpact #Gratitude #HealthAndWellBeing #NortheasternPA

🌟 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 (𝗪𝗗𝗢)? 🌟 Struggling with unpaid fines? A WDO might be your solution! It allows you to reduce your fines by participating in personal development or community service activities. Eligibility Criteria: ✅ Have a mental illness. ✅ Have an intellectual disability or cognitive impairment. ✅ Experiencing economic hardship or homelessness. ✅ Dealing with addiction issues (e.g., drugs or alcohol). 💡 Examples of activities to reduce your fines: ✔ Community volunteering. ✔ Counseling (mental health or financial). ✔ Educational or vocational training. ✔ Mentoring programs (for individuals under 25). 🔍 Ready to take the first step? Check your eligibility and contact us today: https://lnkd.in/gTMCdhbp #DebtRelief #WDO #MentalHealthSupport

🌟 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 (𝗪𝗗𝗢)? 🌟 Struggling with unpaid fines? A WDO might be your solution! It allows you to reduce your fines by participating in personal development or community service activities. Eligibility Criteria: ✅ Have a mental illness. ✅ Have an intellectual disability or cognitive impairment. ✅ Experiencing economic hardship or homelessness. ✅ Dealing with addiction issues (e.g., drugs or alcohol). 💡 Examples of activities to reduce your fines: ✔ Community volunteering. ✔ Counseling (mental health or financial). ✔ Educational or vocational training. ✔ Mentoring programs (for individuals under 25). 🔍 Ready to take the first step? Check your eligibility and contact us today: https://lnkd.in/gTMCdhbp #DebtRelief #WDO #MentalHealthSupport

Call for New Ideas is one of the best things we do at Commonweal. It's really simple: not-for-profits come up with ideas for housing and support models aimed at tackling a social injustice; and Commonweal funds the best ones. This Call for New Ideas theme is young people. Frontline organisations know what works and what doesn't, and crucially what's missing. That's why we give them the chance to tell us; and if we think it may work, we fund further research. The aim, as ever, is turn these ideas into pilot housing projects that run for up-to a decade. Whether it's an overlooked group, an original support measure, or an under-served city, we want your ideas. Follow the link below for more, or to get in touch with the team. And please share with your networks!

Please share and spread the word!

🏠 In Ontario, various issues lead to homelessness, including childhood trauma, aging out of foster care, lack of mental health support, domestic violence, and weak tenant protections. These factors create pipelines into homelessness, highlighting the need for systemic change. Learn more and get involved at homesfirst.on.ca. 💙 #EndHomelessness #SocialJustice

MCM Sleep at the ‘G is an event that helps individuals like resilient 21-year-old Ben, who has faced significant challenges while navigating a life overshadowed by family violence, as well as drug and alcohol misuse. Ben found himself couch surfing and rough sleeping, trapped in a cycle of adversity and disadvantage. His interactions with staff at MCM Frontyard Youth Services became a turning point as he began opening up about his struggles and the profound impact of trauma on his mental health and overall wellbeing. A safe place to sleep, even if for 6 to 8 weeks, represents a significant positive step for individuals like Ben. It offers a sense of security and stability, vital for trauma survivors and foundational for building a more secure future. At Frontyard, Ben found a compassionate community that understood his struggles and individual needs. Ben’s story underscores the importance of comprehensive support systems, addressing immediate needs and providing a holistic approach to long-term recovery. Your support can help sustain this crucial work, providing shelter and access to essential resources—hygiene, healthcare, healthy meals—and, more importantly, the support and guidance needed to rebuild lives. Together we have the power to end youth homelessness - register for MCM Sleep at the ‘G today at SleepAtTheG.com.au. #MCMSleepAtTheG #YouthHomelessness #Homelessness

The Power of Consistency in Supporting Vulnerable Communities When supporting vulnerable individuals, consistency isn’t just important—it’s transformative. Whether someone is facing mental health challenges, homelessness, or societal pressures, the one thing they often lack is a stable foundation. Consistency provides that foundation. It builds trust, fosters resilience, and creates a sense of safety that empowers people to move forward. At THE !N CROWD, we’ve seen how small, consistent acts of support can lead to profound changes. Whether it’s showing up to listen, providing resources, or offering encouragement, it’s the steady presence that makes the difference. Change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of showing up day after day, holding space for someone’s growth, and reminding them they are seen, heard, and valued. Let’s commit to being consistent—not just during the holidays, but every day of the year. Because when we are consistent, we don’t just support people—we empower them to rebuild their lives. How have you seen consistency make an impact in your community? Let’s continue this conversation.