Mayor supports mental health charities for new term

Melksham’s mayor has selected two mental health charities as this year’s fundraising beneficiaries.

Mayor Saffi Rabey, who was re-elected last month, has chosen TeenTalk and Man Down UK to receive fundraising support from Melksham Town Council.

TeenTalk, which is run by youth charity 4Youth (South West), is based at The Canberra Centre in Melksham and provides a confidential counselling service for young people aged 10 to 25, working to improve the emotional wellbeing of young people and their families.

Man Down UK is a non-profit community interest group dedicated to supporting men’s mental health. A weekly group runs at Bowerhill Village Hall, providing a safe, non-judgemental space for men that encourages open conversation and helps break the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. Groups also run in other towns across Wiltshire.

Cllr Rabey said, “Supporting Man Down as one of my charities this year was incredibly important to me. Last year, when I supported FearFree, we highlighted vital issues around domestic abuse and the need for safe support for those affected. This year, I wanted to build on that by shining a light on men’s mental health, an area that is still too often overlooked or not spoken about enough.

“Too many men feel they have to struggle in silence and organisations like Man Down play a crucial role in breaking that stigma, offering support and creating spaces where people feel able to talk openly. As mayor, I believe it’s essential that we use our platform to raise awareness, encourage conversation and remind everyone that it’s okay to ask for help.

“By supporting both charities across my term, I hope we help start more conversations, challenge stigma and show that our community stands together in supporting mental health for everyone.”