How you’re helping
Last year, we shared the story of Harvey — a teenager who was supported by, and benefitted from, Action for Children’s internationally-acclaimed mental health initiative, the Blues Programme.
We also shared the story of Harvey’s dad, Paul who described how his son’s struggles with mental health felt like a ‘kick in the stomach’ and left him feeling constantly anxious and on high alert.
Since October 2017, more than 3,000 young people have been supported by and benefitted from the Royal Mail-funded Blues Programme.
‘When Harvey was 14, he told me he was struggling,’ said Paul. ‘He was distant, preoccupied, and didn’t know which way to turn. A lot of the stress for Harvey was to do with pressure from school. He would often tell me that he didn’t want to go in.
‘I tried taking him to the doctor’s four times, but nothing improved. Harvey’s issues were always dismissed and whenever we’d leave the GP, it felt like a kick in the stomach. Harvey always ended up feeling worse and more depressed than before.’
When Harvey was offered a place on the Blues Programme, he began opening up about his feelings and started talking more to his friends and teachers about his problems.
‘The Blues Programme was so worthwhile for Harvey,’ said Paul. ‘He went on to complete his exams, which he absolutely smashed! And now, he’s gone onto sixth form where he’s excelling and really enjoying his schoolwork.
‘He’s so positive and engaging and infectious to be around. He has this kind of aura around him and lights up any room he walks into.
‘I just feel eternally grateful to Action for Children for what they’ve done so far. Without a doubt, the help they have given Harvey has been both life-saving and life changing. I’ve decided to raise money for the charity by running 500km in six months, which might sound a bit crazy, but I just want to keep raising awareness of what the charity does and let people know how fantastic the Blues Programme really is.’
Paul aims to run 500km (310 miles) by the end of April 2020 in support of Action for Children. You can track his progress here by visiting justgiving.com/Paul-Sparrow6.
