Gosport's local Mental Health support group for EVERYONE. Friendly, safe, confidential space to share life experiences with others. We'll also help with practical support & referrals/signposting to other organisations & services. Attendees must be 16+ however we have numerous resources that may benefit those under 16 - look at the Useful Links & Resources section.
We meet every Tuesday 18:45 to 20:15 at C2U, 41 High Street, Gosport, PO12 1DF.
We attended Gosport Comic Con on Sunday 13th April at St Vincent's College, in Mill Lane. We had some great conversations about what we do and the team also had a chance to see some of the celebrity panels and have a look round - all in all a great day.
In 2021, Sean was experiencing some difficulties with his Mental Health. While he was proactive with trying to seek support and a diagnosis, he was not aware of the numerous resources available to him to support him on his MH journey.
Sean was a kind lad, always making the time to support others who were struggling with their own issues - in spite of having struggles of his own. It just came naturally to him to want to help others. Sean died on 4th December 2021. He was 17.
Unfortunately, Sean never had the chance to access the support that would have made the world of difference to him; largely owing to the fact that the resources he needed were not readily available to him.
We are now Sean's voice. In his name, we will help others access the support they need as well as provide a space for people to open up and talk about what they are going through. This is Sean's legacy.
Our mission is to get the people of Gosport talking about their Mental Health and seeking support where needed.
Our model is simple - #SpeakShareSupport
💜 SPEAK - One of the hardest things to do is to accept you need help. There's a misconception that "not feeling normal" is something to be ashamed of; that's simply not true. That's why we'll never judge you for having mustered the courage to reach out - if anything, we admire it. There's a huge power in putting your feelings into words, and getting it all out there. When you are ready to attend one of our sessions, one of the Team will ask you your name (give a fake one, if you want to) and why you have come along - tell us as much or as little as you're comfortable with. Absolutely NO information you give will be recorded.
💜 SHARE - At our meetings, you'll be given a free cup of tea or coffee (biscuits, too) and introduced to other brave people who have decided to take those steps towards a better life. Here, we will facilitate active conversation about anything and everything, with the aim of sharing experiences and helping you see that you're not alone (in fact, 1 in 4 people will experience some form of ill mental health in their lives).
💜 SUPPORT - You will have access to our reference materials throughout the meeting, which one of the Team will support you to look through to see if there are any professional services available to you that are relevant to your situation. This will be an ever-evolving part of our offering as we identify what types of Mental Health support is needed in Gosport. Where appropriate, one of our team will help you with any practical support needed to help you refer yourself to another service.
And if you're put off from trying us out because you think you're alone, or nobody could possibly understand what you're going through, think again; ALL of our team have suffered or are currently suffering Mental Health issues. You're in great company.
#NobodyIsAlone
(Anything discussed at our sessions is treated with strict confidentiality, with the exception of criminal issues. Where appropriate, we will be obliged to inform the Police of any matters of an illegal nature.
Sean's Safe Space is not a professional organisation, nor are we a registered charity - we are simply a group of local people who want to help others within the Gosport community.)
When you come along to one of our meetings, you'll be greeted by one of our volunteers who will ask your name and why you've come along. Tell them as much or as little as you are comfortable with. (We don't record your name, or any details about you - it's just so we know how to address you!)
Come and give us a go! If you have any questions, feel free to drop us an email - seanssafespace.gosport@gmail.com - and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
WELCOME TO SEAN'S SAFE SPACE.
We ask that everyone who enters this space - regardless of their reasons why they're here tonight - adheres to the following:
1. BE RESPECTFUL
You may hear some things this evening that you disagree with. Please remember, we're all unique and we all have our own perspectives. That doesn't mean that one opinion is right and one is wrong.
2. BE RESPONSIBLE
If you find yourself becoming overwhelmed for any reason during tonight's session, please feel free to step out of the room and a member of our Volunteer Team will follow you to make sure you're ok.
In order to maintain a positive atmosphere, anyone arriving at our meetings under the influence of drink or drugs will be asked to leave and come back another time.
3. BE CONFIDENTIAL
By attending this meeting tonight, you are automatically expected to keep anything and everything you hear to yourself. Confidentiality is KEY.
Please do not discuss any specific details surrounding legal matters. You are more than welcome to explain how a situation is making you feel, but do not disclose any identifiable information regarding any criminal matter. Please ask for clarification if needed.
4. DON'T TAKE IT PERSONALLY
So that everyone gets the chance to talk, we may at times ask you to "wrap up" when you are talking; we genuinely mean no offence, but we're limited on time and it's really important that anyone who wants to has some time to offload.
5. THERE'S NO PRESSURE
While we hope you feel comfortable with opening up, we understand that you may not feel ready. There is ZERO expectation of you; take it at your own pace, and come back again next week if you couldn't "do it" this week.
6. HAVE FUN!
It's not all doom and gloom! If nothing else, just enjoy the next 75 minutes - what have you lost by trying?
Hi, I'm Fiona. As soon as I met Sean's family, I knew I wanted to be involved in this well needed project, as I know how difficult it can be to get the support you need. After struggling with my own mental health throughout my life, I have now managed to find ways of coping and I'm lucky to have a really supportive family - that's my Husband, my rock, in the picture.
I previously worked in childcare and education for over 20 years and my main focus was behavioural/learning difficulties and supporting neurodiversity in young children.
I do voluntary work with various local charities and now Sean's Safe Space too. Over the past few months, I have completed training in Suicide and Self Harm Prevention & Awareness and Adverse Childhood Experiences. I'm currently studying Mental Health in Early Years and also further training in Domestic Violence.
My aim is to be able to provide useful resources, a listening ear and the support from someone who genuinely understands how challenging it is to struggle with mental health.
Kev is Sean's Dad. He feels that he is now in a good place to be able to support those in need in Gosport.
An advocate of helping people to find their way, Kev has a wealth of coaching experience from his varied career. As a veteran, he understands the issues that ex-service people can experience while completing their transition back into civilian life.
Being involved in Sean's Safe Space is a fitting way to remember his son - who also helped others.
Jamie has two daughters. He is a keen darts and pool enthusiast. He prefers listening to music over watching TV.
Jamie has experienced numerous Mental Health issues in his adult life - including depression, anxiety, and addiction. Since suffering a breakdown, he has spent the last 6+ years working with Vulnerable People. He now makes it his mission to support others through their own MH journeys and to lead better lives, which in turn helps him.
Jamie is Sean's brother. Sean helped him when he needed it. Now, Jamie wants to give back and considers it a privilege to do so in Sean's memory.
Sue is Sean's Mum. She is keen to do her part to support the people of Gosport and sees Sean's Safe Space as a fitting tribute to the son she adored. This picture is the last one taken of Sean and Sue, it is hugely important to her.
In this busy and fast paced world, Sue believes we all need to be kinder to and more supportive of each other. Sue is honoured to be a part of our force for good.
💜We would like to thank Gary and all the Team at C2U who allow us to hold our weekly sessions in their space.
💜We would also like to thank Paul from One Box of Fudge for donating loads of tea, coffee and biscuits for use in our weekly sessions.
💜Thanks to Sean G for building the website for free and his patience in showing Sue how to make updates and edits!
💜Thank you to Ian James, JB and all the team at Express FM for your support and getting us on to talk about Sean's Safe Space and what we are about.