MP Thanks Just Drop In For Supporting Young People During Pandemic

Supporting young people continues to be an important focus for Just Drop In (JDI) as we begin to emerge from public health restrictions.

On the visit to JDI on Duke Street, Macclesfield, David met with Steve Oliver, new Chair of Trustees, and Ann Wright, Chief Officer. David thanked the team for all the support they have provided during the pandemic – not just working to improve mental health and emotional well-being, but assisting disadvantaged young people more widely.

Ms Wright set out how, working with partners such as Cheshire & Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (our local mental health service providers), and other local charities, JDI has helped to address a wide range of concerns, such as anxiety and low mood, during these challenging times.

Mr Oliver explained how the charity has strengthened the leadership team and significantly increased its number of counsellors over recent years to enable more young people, and their parents, to be given the support that they need.

Just Drop In is a vibrant and growing local charity, which provides counselling services, including telephone and Zoom counselling, well-being services and support for young people, parents and carers. JDI provides free and friendly services for children and young people from Macclesfield and the surrounding areas, supported by a qualified and experienced team. The charity’s work helps over 1,000 beneficiaries each year.

David was pleased to hear about future plans to work more closely with local schools and to develop more ways to assist disadvantaged children in our area. He was interested to hear of JDI’s plans to further develop the mentoring scheme, which will help more vulnerable children and young people grow in confidence and realise their potential.

After his visit, David said, “Just Drop In continues to provide invaluable help and support for children and young people, building on its proven track record over nearly twenty years. JDI’s work has been more important than ever during the pandemic and will continue to be as we move back to more normal times. The coronavirus pandemic has had a major impact on young people’s mental health and wellbeing, and we are very fortunate to have a charity with such a dedicated team and many volunteers to assist with this vital task”.

Pictured - David Rutley MP with Steve Oliver, new Chair of Trustees, and Ann Wright, Chief Officer.