THE MAYOR of Solihull, Councillor Annette Mackenzie, has chosen three charities to support during her mayoral term.
She will support Cameron Grant Memorial Trust, Newlands Bishop Farm, and Our Voice, Our Services (OVOS).
During her first weeks in office, the Mayor attended events at the The Hampton Health and Fitness Club in Hampton in Arden, Newlands Bishop Farm in Bickenhill, and welcomed OVOS to her parlour at the Civic Suite in St Alphege to announce her support and meet staff, volunteers, and residents.
The Mayor of Solihull said: “I have chosen Cameron Grant Memorial Trust, Newlands Bishop Farm, and OVOS as my Mayoral charities because all three of these brilliant organisations are very close to my heart.”
The Cameron Grant Memorial Trust support suicide prevention by raising mental health awareness and encouraging all who are suffering in silence to speak up and ask for help.
Founded in memory of Cameron Grant who took his own life in November 2014 at the age of 21, they support people who are fighting to overcome poor mental health and provide opportunities for young people to better their well-being, whether through outdoor activities or by assisting in the provision of education to increase knowledge of the issues around mental health.
The Mayor said: “Supporting the Cameron Grant Memorial Trust matters to me greatly.
“I have seen first-hand the devastating effect of young suicide when my son’s friend took his own life.
“I want to support the Cameron Grant Memorial Trust to help ensure that those experiencing mental health problems can receive the expert support that they need.
“It is crucial that we remove the stigma around mental health, and I am determined to make a difference.
“I hope that by supporting them as a Mayoral charity and raising awareness of their fantastic work will allow young people to feel that they can speak up and get the support that they urgently need.”
Part of the charity Family Care Trust, Newlands Bishop Farm provides people with learning disabilities and mental health conditions with the opportunity to learn work-based skills.
his is provided through unique work experiences in horticulture, woodwork, gardening, horse care, catering, retail, and animal husbandry.
Coun Mackenzie said: “Newlands Bishop Farm are dedicated to providing a range of different and exciting experiences that can push young people with learning difficulties to try new things and equip them with skills which help them to secure future employment.”
“Having been a childminder for almost 30 years and having served on the Children’s Services, Education and Skills Scrutiny Board, I have always been passionate about making sure our children have the best care and support.”
OVOS supports children looked after in Solihull and Care Experienced young people to ensure that they have their voices heard.
OVOS members make sure that children are supported in a safe and comfortable environment where they can enjoy regular fun events and activities, get to make new friends, and learn new skills.
The Mayor said: “I have chosen OVOS because my journey working with children in care began long before I became Mayor.
“Having previously run a parent and carer session, I know how important it is to create the right environment for young children in care to thrive. OVOS ensure that our children in care across the borough can have fun in a safe and supportive setting, where they are heard and respected.”
