A Blingtastic Night: Mind in Harrogate’s First Black Tie Bling Ball Raises Vital Funds for Young People’s Mental Health Services

The Power of Community Support

Local and national businesses generously contributed stunning prizes for the auction and raffle, including fantastic holidays in Menorca, Devon, and the Lake District, as well as exclusive behind-the-scenes VIP experiences at the Tour of Flanders cycle race and Northern Ballet. These prizes added extra excitement and competition to the auction which was superbly hosted by Richard Smailes of FSS Property. This was followed by a fiercely contested Best Bling Outfit award, sponsored by Prosperis, adding to the sparkle of the evening.

We are incredibly grateful to all the businesses and individuals who supported this event. Your generosity helped us raise the funds needed to create a vital new mental health service for children and young people in the Harrogate District.

The Impact of the Funds Raised

The funds raised from the Bling Ball will go directly towards creating essential services for children and young people aged 5 to 18, including:

• Counselling sessions for young people aged 11 to 18
• Group mental health support for children and young people
• Drawing and Talking interventions for primary school-aged children
• Workshops and resources to support parents and carers of young people struggling with their mental health

These services will ensure that young people in our community have access to the mental health support they need at crucial moments in their lives.

A Word of Thanks

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and supported the Black Tie Bling Ball.

John and Pat Barnes, the lead organisers and sponsors of the event, said, “We are truly grateful for the generosity and enthusiasm of everyone who attended the Bling Ball. Your support means we can take significant steps toward creating a dedicated mental health service for children and young people in our community. Thank you to our guests, sponsors, and volunteers for making this vision a reality.”

The importance of investing in mental health services for children and young people cannot be overstated. Research shows that 50% of mental health problems are established by age 14, and 75% by age 24. This highlights the critical need for early intervention and support to ensure the well-being of future generations.

Tina Chamberlain, CEO of Mind in Harrogate District, added: “Every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive in a supportive environment. By launching a dedicated mental health service for children and young people, we’re not just addressing a critical need; we’re investing in the future well-being of our communities. Thanks to the incredible support from the Bling Ball, we are one step closer to ensuring every young mind has the resources and help they need to flourish.”

Looking Ahead

As an independent mental health charity, Mind in Harrogate District is committed to providing essential mental health and wellbeing support to people of all ages in the local community. The launch of the new service for children and young people represents an exciting expansion of our mission to ensure no one faces mental health challenges alone.

We are thrilled by the success of the Bling Ball and the continued commitment from our community to support young people’s mental health. Together, we are making a real and lasting difference.

Thank you again to everyone who helped make the Bling Ball such a memorable and successful event. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Donors

We’d also like to give a huge thank you to the businesses who donated auction and raffle prizes, as well as our incredible sponsors, John and Pat Barnes, for their crucial role in making the Black Tie Bling Ball such a success!

Together, we are building a brighter future for the young people of the Harrogate District!