First Stop Darlington

22/10/2026

💙 THE BIG GIVE: DOUBLE YOUR DONATION, DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT! 💙

📅 1st–8th December

This December, you can help First Stop Darlington change lives — and thanks to The Big Give, your donation will be doubled! 🎉

That means if you donate £10, The Big Give will add another £10, turning your donation into £20. Donate £25 and it becomes £50. Every eligible donation can go twice as far!

💙 But why is First Stop Darlington needed?

Sometimes, life can change in an instant. Losing your job, running out of savings and not knowing where to turn can leave you feeling overwhelmed, anxious and unsure how to move forward.

At First Stop Darlington, we support people through these difficult times, helping them regain their confidence, overcome barriers and rebuild their lives.

✨ One person's story shows just how much a difference we can make.

A lady came to First Stop Darlington after recently becoming unemployed. She had never claimed benefits before and, having used up all her savings, she found herself with no money and no idea where to turn.

Our team supported her to navigate the benefits system and get the financial support she was entitled to. But we didn't stop there.

She went on to complete our Mindset Course, designed to help people overcome barriers, develop confidence and recognise their potential.

With the right support and renewed belief in herself, she took positive steps towards a brighter future. She eventually gained employment and is now living her life to the full! 💙

Her journey shows that sometimes, the right support at the right time can make all the difference. It's not just about helping someone through a crisis — it's about giving them the tools, confidence and opportunity to move forward independently.

This is why First Stop Darlington is needed. This is why your support matters.

💷 Between 1st and 8th December, your donation could make twice the difference.

Every donation helps us continue supporting people facing hardship, helping them find stability, rebuild their confidence and take steps towards a better future.

🙏 Please donate, share this post and help us reach more people.

Together, we can help more people turn their lives around.

💙 Give through The Big Give. Double your donation. Help change a life.



Rising to the Opportunities – Big Give

21/10/2026

Fraud reports are rising across the North East, and the people we support are often the ones scammers target first.

We’ve worked with the latest figures and guidance from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) to put together a short carousel on the scams to look out for right now and how to protect yourself.

Please take a minute to read it and share it with anyone who might need it.

15/10/2026

We are delighted this year to be part of the Big Give. From the 1st of December to the 8th December any donations to our charity will be matched by the Big Give.

First Stop is a small independent charity who have supported so many people in Darlington from advice and information to mental health support. As a independent charity we rely on donations where every penny goes to help support those who need our services.

Any support is very much appreciated. Please keep following us as to how you can donate during the Big Give week.

In the meantime please reach out if you need support and if we can help you. From the First Stop Team

https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS00000GjHoHYAV

09/10/2026

World mental health day – 10 October

Nurture Your Mind & Body 🌟

Self-care isn't selfish—it's essential. Here are 6 simple ways to support your wellbeing today:

🏃 Move Daily: Even 10 minutes of brisk walking boosts mood and energy.
😴 Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours to keep emotions balanced and focus sharp.
🥗 Eat Well: Nourish your body with balanced meals and stay hydrated.
🧘 Practice Mindfulness: Try quick breathing exercises or yoga to stay present.
👥 Connect: Make time for a quick catch-up with friends.
💛 Be Kind to Yourself: Celebrate small wins and tune out negative self-talk.

Small steps add up.

Urgent & Crisis Support:

Samaritans: Call 116 123 for free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Shout 85258: Text SHOUT to 85258 for a free, confidential, 24/7 text support service.

NHS 111: Call 111 option 2 to reach urgent mental health services or your local crisis team.

Emergency: Call 999 or go to your nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E).


Useful website with resources specific to looking after your mental health focused on prevention, self-care and coping mechanisms.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/your-mental-health



Not every day is good but there is good in every day. We have to live through the bad days to get to the good ones. Hang in there, they are coming.

We want to help people look after their mental health, prevent more serious problems from developing and help everyone live mentally healthy lives.

08/10/2026

World mental health day 10 October.

5 useful tips to consider when supporting someone who has reached out for help.

Its important to remember, not all problems need a solution, some people just need to vent and express how theyre feeling.

Also what might not seem like a big deal to you, could be a catastrophe to someone else.

Be kind, we all need a helping hand at some point in our life.

07/10/2026

5 questions to consider when you are ready to action reaching out for help.

You might only need to consider 1,2 or all 5 when preparing to reach out, because everyone's situation and need is different and specific to them personally.

Answering these questions to create a plan can be really helpful, but without the action, you will stay stuck in contemplation.

You have the power. Use this upcoming world mental health day as motivation to reach out.

07/10/2026

World mental health day - 10 October.

Take this time to prioritise your mental health. Do something for 'you' that brings you joy.

06/10/2026

World mental health day is approaching.

Take this time to prioritise your mental health.

If thats contacting a service for support for a problem that youve been dealing with by yourself, or just giving yourself permission to slow down and treating yourself to some 'me time'. This is the time to do it.

We will be sharing some useful guides, information and tips throughout the week to help you action what you need.

Asking for help is strength, not weakness.

30/09/2026

Is anxiety and depression holding you back?

Do you feel you have lost and unsure what to do?

First Stop offered a FREE course to help you:.

Take back control of your life?

To live a positive meaningful life?

Say goodbye to a negative Mindset. Our next FREE Mastering your Mindset course is starting Tuesday 3rd November at 10AM.

Places are limited so get in touch with Jess 07470473263 for more information

24/09/2026