3 minute read
Mayor Jay Moore
Raising Money for Youth Mental Health Services
by Tali Larmour-Jones
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Oswestry’s Mayor, Councillor Jay Moore, is one of the younger Mayors the town has seen for quite some time. When he came into office in May this year, he pledged to help young people. Jay is making good on that promise; by helping to secure an annual council budget for young people’s and youth services. You can often find him at local events, seeming to be everywhere at once.
I caught up with Councillor Moore (known as Jay to many) to discuss the charity he would be selecting to fund-raise for this year. However, Jay has decided that this year will be slightly different.
Instead of selecting just one charity, he is championing a cause: Improving mental health and wellbeing in under eighteens. By choosing a cause and not just one charity, Jay hopes to create a fund for those already providing, or looking to provide, services that support mental wellbeing for under eighteens in the area.
Jay is incredibly passionate about wishing to create a versatile community fund, with a simplified grant-style application process. The aim is that the fund will be available for charities, services, clubs and groups to apply for that are promoting and wishing to provide services to improve mental wellbeing for those struggling.
Local schools can also apply for the fund to improve their already existing mental health services for students. Jay is already in talks with some of these schools regarding their currently available mental health services, as well as possible ways to further develop and enhance these for pupils.
Mayor, Councillor Jay Moore takes part in the Oswestry 10k.
Whilst speaking to Jay, he was very open about his past. Having struggled with his mental health and facing his battles throughout the years, he is incredibly passionate about improving available services. Speaking about his own experiences he said, “You feel like you are certain (when struggling), but you have no idea what the future holds.”
Increasing awareness of services available, as well as support to people struggling, is paramount. Many in the area already know someone that suffers; or sadly already lost the battle to poor mental health over the years. By helping to support youth mental health projects and services, the hope is the number of tragic incidents occurring can be reduced and mental health well-being improved. When asked how he plans to raise money for the fund, he explained a “kitchen-sink” approach. Jay aims to raise as much as possible through different avenues, such as support from local businesses, raffles and charity fundraisers. Be sure to keep your eyes out in the future for ways to get involved yourselves.
Jay hopes to not just raise funds for new projects but to support and shine a light on those working hard over the years, supporting youth mental health. When questioned on why he chose youth mental health, he explained that the number of services available for those under eighteen is different for adults and outside of Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), 111 or A&E - there are limited options available for most children and youth.
As well as this, many under the age of eighteen lack proper coping mechanisms that adults have developed over the years. Jay hopes that the money raised will provide a much-needed boost to services within the local area and that by supporting more grassroots projects, additional support will be available to children at a younger age.
If you would like to find out more information about the fund or have questions ahead of applying, email Jaymoore@oswestry-tc.gov.uk
The fund should be fully accessible before the end of Jay’s term in May 2023, but he encourages anyone interested in applying or with ideas to get in touch.
To support and donate to the cause, visit www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/oswestrymayor Oswestry life | 51
