ITRM Continues CSR Activities Helping the Community Trust Mental Health Programme
In February ITRM’s Mark Gamlin and Sue Thorpe continued ITRM’s support of the Charlton Athletics Community Trust’s Mental Health Early Intervention Programme.
On the 14th February Mark joined the Trust on a trip to Pout Wood in Tonbridge to join a group of 40, helping organise and taking part in activities of squash and golf. Although put through his paces, Mark found the day extremely rewarding and commented - ‘I met some great people and the work the Trust do is amazing and really makes a difference to the lives of those who are going through some pretty rough times. I would be more than happy to help out again’.
Sue followed on the 15th February, joining a group of 20 at Polo Farm for an indoor tennis session. Sue plays a key role in organising and delivering ITRM’s CSR activities alongside CACT and was very excited to have the opportunity to take part in the delivery of the Mental Health Programme. After an action packed day Sue shared with the team - ‘I loved the experience as it gave me the opportunity to become personally engaged in making a difference. For many of the group, these activities organised by the Trust are their lifeline and it was great to experience, first hand, the positive impact these sessions have. The group members were very appreciative of the support provided by ITRM and made me very welcome’.
When asked recently about the impact that ITRM's role has had on the Mental Health Programme, Carl Krauhaus, CACT's Head of Early Support and Prevention commented - 'ITRM staff have supported our mental health project in great numbers this year. They have given their time to join us and see first-hand what work we do and how it impacts positively in the lives of the young people we work with. What has struck me about every ITRM representative is how they have not only got fully involved in all activities, they have also taken the time to speak to the young people and understand better their psychosis and how it affects their lives and those around them. All ITRM staff that I have encountered have made our young people feel valued and most importantly not judged or stigmatised. I'm sure that these staff also share with their colleagues their experiences on the project which also helps and encourages society to better understand mental health. I would like to thank Dave White and all his staff for their ongoing support'
Having been highly commended for the Business Commitment in the Community Award at the Bexley Business Awards 2016, ITRM will be entering 2017 awards and hope to take this title this year. ITRM are currently working alongside the Trust to incorporate some of their other fantastic community based initiatives into the CSR programme.
Watch this space!