mental health Archives - Page 7 of 10

Funeral of Aaron Bertenshaw to take place in Bilton tomorrow

The funeral of Harrogate singer-songwriter Aaron Bertenshaw will take place at St John’s Church in Bilton tomorrow.

Aaron, a former pupil at St Aidan’s Church of England High School, died suddenly aged 26 last month. He had struggled with diabetes and mental health issues.

Everyone is welcome to attend the service, which begins at 11am. A wake will be held afterwards at The Empress on the Stray.

For those unable to attend, the service will be broadcast live on the church’s Facebook page.

Sammy Oates, Aaron’s mother, has said the service will be an upbeat celebration of Aaron’s life and asked people not to wear black suits.

Donations will go to Diabetes UK and CALM, the campaign against living miserably.

A fundraising page set up by Sammy to help people with diabetes overcome mental health problems has so far raised almost £6,000. You can donate here.

Sammy is campaigning to make it easier for people who suffer from mental health issues and diabetes to receive treatment that addresses the two issues together.

Jam session at Blues Bar tonight in memory of Aaron Bertenshaw

A jam session is being held at the Blues Bar in Harrogate tonight in memory of singer-songwriter Aaron Bertenshaw.

Aaron, a former pupil at St Aidan’s Church of England High School, died aged 26 this month. He had struggled with diabetes and mental health issues.

He was a popular fixture on the local gig scene and performed regularly at the Blues Bar.

Tonight’s event, which will begin at about 8pm, will be hosted by Martin Rose.

Entrance is free but there will be a collection for diabetes and mental health.

The Aaron Joseph Memorial Fund, set up by Aaron’s mother Sammy Oates, has so far raised almost £6,000.

Money raised will be used to provide mental health support to people with diabetes. Mental health and diabetes are usually treated separately and Sammy believes Aaron would have benefited from help that better understood the link between the two illnesses.

You can donate here.

Aaron Bertenshaw memorial service to be held next month

A memorial service celebrating the life of Harrogate singer-songwriter Aaron Bertenshaw will be held at St John’s Church in Bilton on January 4.

Aaron, a former pupil at St Aidan’s Church of England High School, died suddenly aged 26 this month. He had struggled with diabetes and mental health issues.

Sammy Oates, his mother, said everyone was welcome to attend the service, which begins at 11am. A wake will be held afterwards at The Empress on the Stray.

Donations will go to Diabetes UK and CALM, the campaign against living miserably.

Sammy added the church has capacity inside for 160 people and the event would also be livestreamed because Aaron had family in New Zealand and South Africa.

She said the service would be an upbeat celebration of Aaron’s life and asked people not to wear black suits. Aaron loved tweed and Sammy suggested this as a possible alternative.

A fundraising page set up by Sammy to help people with diabetes overcome mental health problems has so far raised over £5,000. You can donate here.

Sammy said she planned to raise the issue of diabetes and mental health to parliament as part of her campaign to fund a service that treats both illnesses together.

She is trying to find a counsellor within a 20-mile radius of Harrogate who is either diabetic or understands the disease.

Anyone who can help put her in touch with a suitably qualified person can contact her on social media or email us and we will forward on messages. You can email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Aaron was a popular figure on the Harrogate district music scene. He was a regular at the Blues Bar, where he first performed and at many other venues, such as Hales Bar.

Fund set up in memory of Harrogate musician Aaron Bertenshaw

The mother of Harrogate singer-songwriter Aaron Bertenshaw, who died suddenly aged 26 last week, has set up a fundraising page to help people with diabetes overcome mental health problems.

Aaron, a former pupil at St Aidan’s Church of England High School, was a popular and well known figure on the Harrogate district music scene. He was a regular at the Blues Bar, where he first performed and at many other venues, such as Hales Bar.

Sammy Oates, his mother, told the Stray Ferret she was in “complete shock” at the loss of her son “who had the most infectious smile”.

Sammy said she believed Aaron went into a diabetic coma but a post mortem would be held to ascertain Thursday’s cause of death.

She added he had struggled massively to cope with being diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic at the age of 18 and had recently been treated for ketoacidosis, which affects people whose bodies don’t produce enough insulin.

“Aaron touched a lot of lives. He was only 26 but packed a lot in. He also worked as a barber and played rugby for Otley when he was young.

“He was such a bright shining star and an absolute social butterfly. Everyone knew him and he never had a bad word to say about anybody.

“What I remember most is his smile. He had the most infectious smile. There was always a twinkle in the eyes.

“He had a heart of gold. We lost the family dog as well last week and we were all devastated about that.”

A gofundme page set up by Sammy has already raised over £3,000. Donations can be made here.

She said the money would be used to provide mental health support to people with diabetes. Mental health and diabetes are usually treated separately and there was a need to provide a service that addressed the two issues together, said Sammy.

“Aaron hated being diabetic. He couldn’t handle it and he didn’t take his insulin.

“Because he was a musician he was in the party scene a lot. So at 18 when all his friends were out partying he was at home injecting himself.

“It’s a bit of a vicious circle. Diabetes is massively life changing so he’d get down about it and then not want to deal with it.”

Memorial show

Sammy said a memorial service would be held at St John’s Church in Bilton where he and his family were christened. She also plans to stage a memorial show next year.

Aaron, who was due to perform in Wakefield this weekend, started gigging at 15 and shortly afterwards released an EP record. His mum was a singer and he regularly watched bands with his dad, Sam Bertenshaw.

He played the guitar and his vast musical influences included Ed Sheeran and Leonard Cohen. Besides playing in venues, he busked for cancer charities when the disease claimed the life of his uncle at the age of 42. Sammy said:

“If we can just help one person it will all be worthwhile. Perhaps we could find a counsellor who could advise on living with diabetes rather than just the medical side of things. Maybe set up a charity. I just know I need to do something and I need to do it in his name and now while everyone is aware.”

Aaron leaves Sammy and her partner, Jonathan, dad Sam and his partner Fiona and a sister, Ruth.

Sammy described the Blues Bar as “a huge part of Aaron’s life “.

Simon and Sharon Colgan, the owners of the Blues Bar, paid a joint tribute to Aaron. They said:

“Aaron sang in the Blues Bar from the beginning of his career. He inspired other young musicians and was never demanding of attention

“He was a warm, intelligent and gifted young man who was giving and thoughtful towards others

“He is a part of our blues family, known and loved by everyone We will always have fond memories of Aaron. It is such a tragic loss to us all.”

Harrogate man hosts event to raise awareness of suicide prevention

An event with speakers and charities dedicated to mental health and suicide prevention is to be hosted in Harrogate next month.

The Hope for Life conference has been organised by The Jordan Legacy, a community interest company set up by Steve Phillip, from Harrogate, after his son died of suicide.

The aim of the conference is for people to come and listen to the experience and advice of experts and learn more about protecting your own or someone else’s mental health.

Speakers such as James Ketchell and Jonny Benjamin are there to spread the message of hope and share their own stories of overcoming challenges.

The Jordan Legacy was set up by Mr Phillip when Jordan took his own life in December 2019. It works with businesses to encourage workplace wellbeing and mental health training and to ensure they have people and facilities in place to support staff.

“We want everyone to leave feeling really inspired, we have inspirational speakers, actors, musicians all there to inspire people.

“We have had a mix of people book tickets; some work in mental health, some have lost people to mental health and some are facing their own challenges. Everyone is welcome.”

The event takes place at the Pavilions of Harrogate on December 1. Tickets can be booked here.

The organisation has already begun planning for its 2022 projects, it hopes to reach out to local schools to talk to young people about mental health.

Mr Phillip said he was aware of the rise in anxiety in young people during the pandemic and felt the organisation could help offer students the tools to recgnise their struggles and seek help.

It also hopes to reach charitable status in the new year.

Knaresborough police officer to ride 106.6 miles in memory of best friend

Local police officer Pierre Olesqui will take on his third annual fundraising challenge this weekend to raise awareness of mental health in memory of his best friend.

Mr Olesqui’s best friend Mick ‘Aky’ Atkinson died in October 2018 after suffering with his mental health.

Aky, an active, “proud Leeds man”, did not tell his friend that he was struggling. Mr Olesqui uses the challenge to encourage people to talk about their own battles.

Tomorrow, Mr Olesqui will set off from Hunslet Warriors rugby club, where Aky used to coach, alongside 98 other riders to complete the Tour de Aky challenge.

This year nearly 100 cyclists have registered to take part in the fundraising challenge

The 106.6-mile route heads towards Leeds, past Elland Road – Aky called the stadium “his church” – on to Otley and through the Harrogate district to Kirkby Overblow, before heading back to York and Hunslet.

The distance is a reference to Aky’s collar number: 1066.

Over the past two years just under £40,000 has been raised, but this year Mr Olesqui hopes to reach £50,000.

To donate, click here.

The pair started working together in 2001 for North Yorkshire Police, where Aky was a dog handler, and bonded over their love of sport – Aky was even Mr Olesqui’s best man.

Mr Olesqui, who works in Knaresborough, said:

“He was my best friend and I want to keep his memory alive. I want to raise awareness for mental health, especially for men it’s a secret battle like Aky.

“It’s incredible how many people will come on the ride and tell us their own struggles. It’s great to talk and we all understand. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

The money raised from this weekend’s cycle will go towards Mind, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Macmillan Cancer Support. These have been chosen by Mr Olesqui and Aky’s family.

Harrogate man says ‘outrageous, camp and wild’ garden saved his life

Paul Ivison says his “outrageous, camp and wild” garden in Harrogate saved his life following recent mental health battles.

Mr Ivison’s loud and proud garden may be small but it is hard to miss as you walk up Mayfield Grove to where it meets Mayfield Terrace, just a short walk from the town centre.

He designs a themed garden each year and this year he has gone with for mental health.

On the wall outside the garden are messages and advice for people on how to cope with mental health problems and who to contact if they need help.

As well as a wide array of plants and flowers his garden is also interspersed with and eclectic and colourful range of items including the Philippines flag, to represent his partner, photos of the Queen and Prince Philip, fairies, gnomes and bowling pins.

Mr Ivison, 61, took an overdose to end his life in January and the garden has given him the strength to carry on. He said:

“If it wasn’t for this garden, I wouldn’t be here.”

“It’s been a tough time but the garden clears my mind.”

Mr Ivison was in the Royal Navy during the late 1970s and early 1980s and recently began suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to what he witnessed.

He works part-time at Asda in Harrogate and also receives Personal Independence Payment for people with a disability.

After a review in January, the money he was entitled to was drastically cut which led to financial worries and a risk that he would lose his beloved home and garden. This led to his suicide attempt.

After providing more evidence, and support from Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservative MP Andrew Jones, he had his full entitlement reinstated.

Mr Ivison is critical of the Department for Work and Pensions and said PIP reviews were responsible for dozens of suicides. He hopes his garden will highlight what he believes are the government’s shortcomings in tackling mental health and its approach to benefits.

Mr Ivison, who has lived in the house for 15 years, said 95% of the objects in the garden have been recycled.

He enjoys sitting outside with a coffee and a cigarette watching the world go by while speaking to neighbours. One woman who lives nearby called in during the Stray Ferret’s visit to say the garden has helped with her own mental health.

Mr Ivison said:

“I’ve had some amazing comments. It brightens up their day.”

His garden is open to anyone who wants to visit.

“A lot of people say — pull yourself together, or exercise — but it’s not as easy as that. We all have friends who suffer. The best thing you can do is listen.”

He’s already thinking about next year and said he has decided on a new theme for the garden.

“Next year it will be a Pride garden. It will be camp as hell!”

Starbeck ‘Men’s Shed’ charity launches more mental health groups

Claro Enterprises in Starbeck is launching three groups to deal with the mental health “aftermath” of the pandemic.

The charity said its workshops and courses offer people the space to work and chat to new people.

General manager Owen Jones has said more people are coming forward for mental health support after struggling in lockdown.

The first group, which starts on June 30, is an introduction to woodwork. The charity operates a commercial wood workshop making goods for businesses.

It will help new clients who have asked for a space to meet other people, but haven’t worked in a workshop before.

If restrictions ease as anticipated on July 19, the charity will re-launch its Starbeck Men’s Shed and launch the first Starbeck Ladies’ Shed. These weekly groups will again offer those suffering with their mental health the chance to be a part of group activities.

The Men’s Shed mainly works with the wood workshop and the Ladies’ Shed will offer activities such as upholstery, art and card making.

Before lockdown the Men’s Shed had 20 members.

Mr Jones said:

“We have a bank of people waiting to get out there again and meet people. We’ve seen an increase in people coming to us over the last few weeks after struggling during lockdown, it’s been a difficult time for a lot of people.”

The charity works alongside GP practices in a Route One Partnership, which allows local doctors to refer patients struggling with their mental health to it.

The Route One Partnership includes other local charities: Wellspring Therapy and Training, Harrogate Mind and The Orb.

Since the partnership was set up six months ago the charity has received an additional 20 referrals.

Mr Jones added:

“There will be an aftermath for this [pandemic] and hopefully we can help.”

Harrogate pupils tackle loneliness with letters to care homes

Pupils from a Harrogate infant and junior school have written letters to people in care homes to help combat loneliness.

Saltergate Schools partnered with Vida Healthcare to send the letters to care workers and residents in its two Harrogate homes.

Its initiative was a part of Loneliness Awareness Week, which began on Monday and aims to tackle the stigma around loneliness by getting people to talk about their feelings.

The care homes, Vida Grange in Pannal and Vida Hall in Starbeck, were also decorated with butterflies crafted by the students.

James Rycroft, managing director at Vida Healthcare, which specialises in caring for those with dementia, said:

“We are so pleased to have had the support this year from Saltergate Schools to make our staff and residents feel extra special. The butterflies look fantastic and our residents and staff have all been really touched by the handwritten letters.”

Studies have shown that people in care homes are twice as likely to feel lonely as those in the wider community.

Linda Mortimer, headteacher at Saltergate Schools, said:

“Loneliness Awareness Week was the perfect opportunity for us to give back to our local community and educate our children about loneliness.”

“Accepting that we all feel lonely sometimes is an important lesson and learning what we can do to help others and ourselves manage feelings of loneliness is critical.”

The Marmalade Trust hosts the annual Loneliness Awareness Week, which more than 20,000 charities got involved with last year.

Visit its website for information and support.

Former Harrogate Town footballer launches counselling service for young athletes

Former Harrogate Town footballer Brendan Kiernan is launching a counselling and mentoring service for young footballers and athletes.

On his days off from being a professional footballer, the popular winger has been taking counselling courses with the Professional Footballers’ Association, which have equipped him for a different career in the game.

He will launch his service with a special BK Soccer School day on June 4 at Killinghall Country Park that will combine football coaching, fun games and specialist mentoring.

Boys and girls aged nine to 16 are welcome and it costs £25 to sign up. All coaches are fully qualified and DBS checked and Brendan has worked with Starbeck-based mental health charity Wellspring to help set it up.

There will also be an ex-pros vs pros five-a-side match that promises to include some familiar faces.

Brendan told the Stray Ferret he wants to create a safe space for young people where they can learn football skills on the pitch while building emotional intelligence and learning life skills.

“I want to give tools and tips to help young people be the best version of themselves.”

BK Soccer School will launch on June 4

He said mental health is one of his passions and he wants to help young people deal with what can be a tough industry.

England stars such as Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling have spoken out about mental health in football and Brendan said he is pleased that more people are now talking about it.

He added:

“It’s a very fast-paced game but it’s important to slow down and deal with the pressures.”

Fan favourite Brendan, who is 28, was released by Harrogate Town last week after two years at the club, where he played 62 times. He scored a memorable hat-trick against Cambridge United in April.

Before playing for Harrogate, the Londoner had only ever played in the south of England. He said he is now settled in the area and hopes to sign for a new club for next season soon.

He added:

“I had an amazing time at the club. I had a taste for it living up here. It’s a different way of life.”

If you are interested in learning more, contact: Bksoccerschool@gmail.com

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Memorial show

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