Emma’s story

It’s week six of this year’s Ops Fundraising Challenge and colleagues up and down the country have been getting stuck into their Action for Children fundraising.

The Ops Challenge is your opportunity to help children across the UK get the support they need from Action for Children’s internationally acclaimed mental health initiative, the Blues Programme.

Emma is one of the students who completed the programme in her school. Today, she has agreed to share why she thinks it’s so important for young people.

‘When I first enrolled into the Blues Programme through my school after a talk from Action for Children, I soon realised my feelings of isolation weren’t something I just had to live with,’ she said.

‘I didn’t know why I was feeling down all the time. I couldn’t concentrate because I would think “I can’t do this.” There were always so many questions going through my head. I couldn’t work, I felt isolated and I wouldn’t go out with friends - I couldn’t do anything. I gave myself a strict routine and kept thinking that I was safe in my own wee environment.’ 

When Emma joined the six-week programme, she wasn’t confident about sharing her problems within a group setting.

‘I felt a bit nervous about the fact that I had to open up about my feelings in front of total strangers,’ she said. ‘But then I immediately bonded with them. I was reminded that although it’s important to look out for people, I also have to put myself first. That was a big eye opener.’

Towards the end of the course, Emma began noticing a big difference in her self-confidence. ‘The course helped me both physically and mentally,’ she said. ‘I concentrate a lot more in class now. Even the teachers have noticed. And I’ve started going out with my friends again and doing different things.’

Now that Emma has finished the course, she feels very strongly about spreading the message of early intervention for young people. ‘Early intervention will help so many young people come out of their shell and not feel anxious or overwhelmed all the time,’ she said.

Without your support, the Blues Programme would not be possible. Remember, every penny you raise can make a huge difference to the mental health of young people across the UK.

You can contact RoyalMail@actionforchildren.org.uk about fundraising ideas, hints and tips, plus all the materials and support you need to smash your 2019 Ops Challenge targets.