THE Orchard Centre are pleased to now be welcoming an additional support group. Georgia’s Voice will start their group in Launceston, alternating with ManDown on Wednesdays with Georgia’s Voice, which started on June 9 from 7pm to 9pm.

Georgia’s Voice is the legacy of Sofie Alway’s daughter Georgia who took her own life on July 6, 2020.

Through the passion and hard work of the team behind Georgia’s Voice they hope to reduce the rate of suicide in young women by making them realise they are not alone, and this is not the only option. Through their support groups they have created a huge network of support, they provide safe spaces for the girls to talk, or not talk. Somewhere they will really be listened to, with empathy, not judgement. They help teach them ways of promoting their own well-being, as well as making them aware of the other services that are out there to help them when they are in need.

Patricia Orridge from the Orchard Centre said: “We contacted Sofie the founder to offer a venue as they were not represented in North Cornwall, let alone Launceston.

“They were keen to start a group but as they are based near Falmouth, had little or no knowledge of opportunities here.

“At the time, they had no facilitators but we spoke to people within our building who were also keen to help. (There is a theme here as that is how ManDown started.)

“Now we have two amazing facilitators who will be running the sessions in our cafe and hall areas from next week.”

These are small, free, confidential support groups for young women with mental health concerns.

Suicide is the leading cause of death in 18 to 29 year olds, they aim to reduce this number by highlighting the warning signs, and with early intervention including, building a support network, promoting wellness, and referrals to appropriate therapies.

Founder, Sophie says: “There is a real lack of easily accessible help and support out there for young people these days, so I decided with the help of many other fantastic friends and family to do something about it.

“We also want to have fun with our group members! And outside of the support group meetings there will be the chance to take part in many fun (and free) activity days.

“Our groups run in various places across Cornwall, and we hope to eventually have support groups in every town, with the aim being to bring the ever increasing suicide rate in young girls down to zero.

“If you would like to come to a meeting but are scared, don’t worry, coming to a group for the first time is a big step, although everyone there will know how you are feeling having also once had to walk in for the first time themselves, feel free to start by sending a message, just please take that first step and get in touch. If there’s one thing I want you to know and to stick with you it’s that ‘you matter’.”

There is no need to book or contact them unless you want to, for more details visit the Georgia’s Voice website georgiasvoice.co.uk