Mental health charity Response backed by Oxfordshire business leaders

Response is the county’s largest independent mental health charity and works with thousands of people annually across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire aged 11 upwards.

The charity supports those living with serious mental illness and complex needs to live as independently as possible through supported housing while providing preventative care to reduce the need for crisis intervention.

It has now been named as Charity of the Year by OpenDoorz’ Frilford group, a local business networking organisation.

As Charity of the Year, Response’s senior leadership team will be able to fundraise and network with a broad range of business owners specialising in multiple spaces with professional support provided where necessary.

There will also be opportunities for the charity to showcase its work to members and explain how its team works engages those with complex mental health issues to help them live their life to the full.

Emma Murphy, Associate Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at Response, said: “We’re really grateful to OpenDoorz and its Frilford Group for this nomination.

“Having the opportunity to fundraise and develop strong relationships with Oxfordshire’s most connected business leaders is a huge opportunity for Response during a critical period.

“We know rates of mental illness in England have been steadily rising, with data from the British Medical Association telling us that 25 per cent of young people aged 17 to 19 and more than 17 per cent of eight to 16 year olds live with a mental disorder.

“The percentage of adults with a mental health issue has increased too, from 17.6 per cent in 2007 to 22.6 per cent today.

“Put simply, demand for statutory and community mental health services is increasing and, in many cases, demand is outstripping supply.

“This is why early intervention and supported housing matter more than ever — helping people stay well, prevent their mental health from reaching crisis point, reduce the need for hospital admissions or time on psychiatric wards, and support recovery in a stable home where possible.

“We’re big believers in the power of collaboration to achieve positive outcomes and look forward to working with OpenDoorz members to help empower those we work with to achieve their full potential.”

Launched in 2011 by Cathy Dunbabin and Sonia Kearns, Opendoorz hosts regular group meetings and monthly guest events for members who share expertise, knowledge and experiences from their sector.

Caroline O’Connor, Associate Director of Opendoorz Frilford, added: “Although people’s perception of mental illness has shifted significantly in recent years, it remains a critical issue.

“Those affected are more likely to seek professional help today compared to even a few years ago. But, often, accessing the necessary support can be challenging.

“It’s why Response resonated so strongly with our members, and we’re so pleased to welcome the charity into our group in recognition of the outstanding work its team delivers locally.

“We hope this small gesture can contribute to making a big difference to the lives of those Response engages.”

Response has also launched Challenge28 in February, where participants are asked to complete 28 miles during the month in a way that works for them.

It comes after figures from the Children’s Commissioner found 28 per cent of children and young people who were referred to statutory mental health services in 2022 and 2023 were still waiting for support a year later.

Further information is available via www.response.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising-events/challenge-28.