About Us

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platform 1

Platform 1 is a mental health and crisis charity to help you with complex needs. We support men from all backgrounds and experiences and engage with men, that have, for whatever reason have refused to engage with other services. We encourage recovery through various activities, allowing men to recover at their own pace and within a safe and non-judgmental environment.

Our Aim

To help individuals develop interpersonal and practical skills to aid their recovery, reconnect with family friends and the wider community and find employment. Our services provide choices and opportunities for individuals to create meaningful and sustainable change.

Our support is responsive and meaningful treating people as individuals. We provide

· On-site support within a relaxed environment on the old platform at Huddersfield Train Station. We are available for men who simply want to have a coffee & chat in a safe place. We also offer activities of Woodwork, Bike hub, Gardens which enable connectiveness & development of skills.

· Outreach to ensure members feel connected and supported, consisting of: Welfare checks, Video calls, Crisis Appointments, Food Parcels, Peer Support

· Advocacy to support individuals with their issues of welfare, housing, finances. We will help men deal with telephone and physical appointments with services they find daunting and confusing.

· Personal development through onsite activities of Woodwork, Gardening, Bike Hub, which together with guidance from staff helps improve self-confidence and practical skills

· Pastoral activities which build resilience techniques and help increase the individuals’ self-respect

· Help so relationships with family, friends improve and there is a confirmed support system

· Women’s groups for partners, so they can have access to help as required, and be part of a holistic package of support.

· Encourage those to reach out and ask for support if or when they need it.

Meet the Team

Bob Morse - Project Manager

I believe that my life experiences have formatted my thoughts and opinions and that the combination of all my learning and experiences have led me to Platform 1

In paid employment since 1966, much of my early previous employment was based around Financial Services. At times my mental and physical health gave me challenges. These factors did, however, provide great learning opportunities and also, helped direct my career changes. I worked in the energy sector as a manager until further health issues led me to move onto less stressful work (joke)

So, then I worked extensively with children including children with disabilities and special needs. I was enticed to work with challenging individuals with behaviour issues (less stressful)

Then I was encouraged into Playwork which led to me being involved in management, training and assessment. My education progressed and I obtained a couple of degrees in Playwork and a first in Leadership and Management. (immature student)

After, I retired I developed further mental health issues and suffered from my own self- medication. My journey through recovery led me to become a recovery champion, peer support volunteer and group leader. I became an addiction counsellor.

My personal history has allowed me to achieve many more skills that direct my attitude to work and life, skills that are useful particularly, when things go wrong. I use these skills every day!

I am no longer retired.

Wayne - IT/Site Manager -Crisis Support

I have worked previously all around the country, as a General Manager and then as Technical Trainer and Technical Content developer.

I joined Platform 1 in 2018 and it has been a Journey for myself and also helping the guys. Not just with the IT but pyrography and other arty stuff.

It puts a smile on your face when a simple act can help someone out. That’s us at Platform 1 virtually every day.

I like playing the Guitar, Whittling and exploring the Yorkshire countryside with my dog. Oh I keep snakes as well.

Justin Boofer - Admin - -Crisis Support

I am Responsible for many clerical and admin tasks at Platform 1.

I love games of all kinds and regularly uses them as a way to engage people in discussions.

I grew up in rural Norfolk, I have a degree in Games Design, and I worked in retail for over a decade but I hope to make a difference in the member’s lives.

Gez Walsh - Project Leader

I have had a varied career, working in joinery, mental health and education. I decided to retire in 2016, but there has been no sign of this happening as yet?

I now spend my days sat in a cabin talking to lots of people while wearing shorts and trying to avoid admin! But not necessarily in that order.

A man sat with a cup of tea during pastoral support.

Bridget Fahy- Crisis Support Lead

I joined the Platform 1 team in April 2019 as a volunteer and have taken on the role of Crisis Support Lead. I previously worked in a primary school for six years and have supported family members through mental health difficulties for the last 13 years.

I am currently training as a Counsellor and will qualify this year (2021). I support clients with addiction in Dewsbury every week and am in the middle of training as a bereavement counsellor too.

My role at Platform 1 is not just about supporting our guys but also to build in them the resilience and confidence they need to find their own solutions to difficulties.

I like to sew and knit and have 2 cats, 2 dogs and 3 Bearded Dragons.

Helen - Crisis Support

I work as part of the crisis team here at Platform 1. Most of my working life has been spent in education, working in schools and referral units in West Yorkshire. During this time, I worked closely with pastoral staff, including counsellors and experienced the many positives that listening to both pupils and staff brought. I began to believe that this could be a worthwhile career and enrolled on level 2,3 and finally 4 & 5 counselling skills at Kirklees college. I will qualify as a counsellor this year (2021) and I am looking forward to using these skills and gaining more experience here at Platform 1.

In my spare time, I like to paint, walk my dogs and spend time gardening. I two daughters and a partner.

Shaunagh Carroll - Trusts & Grants Fundraiser

I recently joined Platform 1 to help raise funds for this passionate and hardworking charity. I am inspired by charitable causes that can make a real difference to people’s lives and Platform 1 definitely does this. I have 30 years-experience of working in the voluntary sector primarily in Grants and Trusts fundraising and love the challenge this type of work brings. When I’m not working, I am often found at Old Trafford watching Manchester United as my photo shows. I’m fortunate to live in the Peak District and spend much of my time walking and watching football.