International Day of Charity 2024 – get involved

Thank you to the passionate teams at Fundancio Orienta in Spain, Okkar Heimur in Iceland, systemisches zentrum wienerwald in Austria, and KidzTime Deutschland in Germany, who work with us to improve outcomes for young people.

Most developed countries recognise the children of parents with a mental illness as an at-risk group, who benefit from early intervention to prevent them continuing the intergenerational cycle of mental illness. In the UK, young people cannot get help until they themselves become ill.

We are the only UK charity focused on supporting the children of parents with a mental illness. We have developed interventions that aim to address the needs of the parents and their children, and we have seen impressive results in family functioning and young people’s wellbeing.

We proud that our approach is being rolled out across Europe.

Greg is an adult who wanted to share  his story about growing up with a mother who had paranoid schizophrenia and his wish that Our Time is able to continue to support young people:

“By the age of 8 I remember rejection from my mother and the beginning of her troubles in coping with her mental health and behaviour.

Not only was there isolation from extended family, but as time went on all members of the family managed and dealt with the behaviours of my Mum in our own and separate ways. And in so doing we were all also separated. It wasn’t until I was in my late teens that I realised I was different in my upbringing. The isolation of mental illness in the family can be the most difficult to manage. There was nobody to help me or talk to.

When I recently heard about Our Time and the work you do I was amazed. Had that have been available for me, I would have had a foot on the ground, an understanding in real time, and a shared support so desperately needed. It is knowing there is understanding, and others with similar experiences, that is so grounding for those children who just want ‘normal.’

I pray that Our Time has the support they need to continue and expand their work. We know there are many children out there so in need.”

Read Greg’s Story.

As a small charity, we rely entirely on individual and organisational donations, so that we can continue to reach out to families who need support.

How can you get involved in Our Time Charity?

There are lots of ways that you can get involved:

• Sign up for an upcoming event
• Make a one-off or regular donation 
• Become a corporate donor 
• Share your story and help to put an end to the stigma around parental mental illness

If you are interested in supporting us in another way, please get in touch: office@ourtime.org.uk