Stars of TV and stage came together in Liverpool to support the first ever winter ball for local mental health charity Sean’s Place
Stars from TV shows including Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, Emmerdale and Silent Witness came out to support a Liverpool mental health charity.
Sean’s Place held its first ever winter ball at the Titanic Hotel in the city’s northern docklands. The charity was set up by Debbie Rogers after the devastating loss of her brother Sean to suicide.
She said: “Sean never had access to the support he needed as there was nowhere for men to find support, if there had been, maybe Sean would still be with us.”
When she established Sean’s Place, Debbie hoped 10 men would come through the door for help. Five years later it is now supporting at least 350 men every week through access to lifesaving support, which is completely free.
Ambassador, actress (Supercell, Hollyoaks), BAFTA-nominated producer and host for the evening Terri Dwyer said “Men want to talk about their mental health but we need to create the spaces for them to do that.
“This event is not just about raising money, its about spreading the word that help is available so men no longer need to feel alone.”
Ian Puleston Davies, ambassador, actor, writer and award-winning director who has spoken openly about the daily challenges of living with OCD, added “There is an immediate sense of protectiveness as soon as you step into Sean’s Place.
“The staff are so welcoming and the feeling of camaraderie is instant among the men who go there. An understanding of your troubles that I doubt you would find anywhere else. You just feel safe and listened to.”
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Singing on the night was award-winning actress Tamara Wall, currently playing Grace Black In Hollyoaks, and West End star Carley Stenson. Star of new feature film The Stoic, Scott Wright (Coronation Street, Emmerdale), also performed on the night.
Coronation street’s Jennie McAlpine helped Ian with the auction hoping to raise much needed funds to help Debbie and her team continue the amazing work they do in Sean’s Place.