A Wirral mental health charity providing support for looked-after children has launched a Christmas fundraising campaign 

The Open Door Charity has set a goal of raising £20,000 in just one week through the Big Give’s Christmas Challenge.

The campaign starts tomorrow (Tuesday, November 28), and funders will match all donations made through the Big Give until Tuesday, 5 December, essentially doubling the amount raised.

Fundraising will support OOMOO, mental health charity Open Door’s programme for young people looked after (CLA) ages 11-18 in Wirral.

For more details and donate to Open Door here.

At their home – Luft – in Hamilton Square, OOMOO offers free weekly wellbeing activities such as boxing, gym sessions, and art workshops, as well as immediate access to mental health support.

Alex Williams, Open Door’s OOMOO Lead, said: "What makes OOMOO so special is that everything is codesigned with our members, from our spaces to the programme of activities - they’re involved at every step.

Wirral Globe: OOMOO members and team meeting the Prince and Princess of Wales during their visit to the Bloom Building, home of Open Door Charity OOMOO members and team meeting the Prince and Princess of Wales during their visit to the Bloom Building, home of Open Door Charity (Image: Robin Clewley.)“On average it takes members 140 days from signing-up to OOMOO to accept mental health support, with the longest ever being 1006 days, so it’s vital that we provide an environment that builds trust and makes our members comfortable, letting them know that whenever they need support, we are there for them.”

Research from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence found that 45% of children looked after in the UK have a diagnosable mental health disorder, and up to 70%-80% have recognisable mental health concerns.

Alex said: "OOMOO helps to mediate mental health issues among young people looked after in Wirral - 67% of our members that have engaged with mental health support have seen a reduction in anxiety symptoms and 33% have seen a reduction in depression symptoms.

"We're seeking funds so we can make sure this continues."

Danika Leahey, fundraising Lead at Open Door, said: "In our last challenge, we were delighted to hit our target of £10,000, so to be able to double that target is really exciting but we’re going to need all the help we can get.

“With Christmas around the corner we know it can be hard to find extra funds for donations, but with everything being matched it’s the perfect opportunity to help Open Door continue to provide support as every donation goes even further.”