Ashton Market

In the early days of The Anthony Seddon Fund, we began our journey with a stall at Ashton Market. This humble start allowed us to raise funds through the sale of donations. The success of the market stall was overwhelming, and the funds raised were donated to Tameside, Oldham and Glossop Mind. These donations supported vital work in local schools, helping to educate and raise awareness of mental health among children and young people in Tameside.

The market stall became more than just a fundraising initiative; it also provided a safe space where individuals began to feel comfortable sharing their own stories and struggles with complete strangers. It became a place of connection, understanding, and support for those who needed it most.

The Anthony Seddon Shop

As our fundraising efforts grew, we decided to establish a dedicated space for the charity, leading to the opening of The Anthony Seddon Fund Shop. More than just a place to drop off donations or purchase items, the shop quickly became a vital community hub. It provided a welcoming space where individuals could come together, share their experiences, and find support. The shop also served as a point of contact, displaying information about local mental health support services in Tameside, further extending our reach and impact in the community.

The Impact of The Anthony Seddon Centre

As the charity and our customer base grew, we found that the number of people seeking information, support, or simply someone to talk to outgrew the capacity of the shop. This led us to acquire another property, allowing us to provide a more supportive environment for individuals with mental health concerns. The Centre has since become a vital space where we can offer a safe, welcoming environment for anyone in need. It is also a hub for sharing information about other local mental health services and a place where people can comfortably discuss any issues they are facing.

At the Centre, we host our support groups and mental health projects, and we invite you to explore more about our offerings on the What We Do page.

A Testimonial of Impact

“I’m writing this letter to thank sincerely every person involved in the Anthony Seddon Centre for all their help. You have saved my life on so many occasions and many others too. Thank you for the legacy in your family members’ name at a time of such sadness. You thought to help others by providing a warm, caring place of help, support, and safety, and have also, on many occasions, listened and helped me. Words don’t seem enough to express how amazing the volunteers and Anthony Seddon Centre truly is.”

Challenges and Achievements: 10 Years of Support

As we enter our second decade as a charity, we reflect on the impact Anthony’s death has had on us as a family. Little did we know back then how much it would shape our lives, but we are incredibly proud to deliver our services in Anthony’s name.

We are now deeply embedded in our local community, providing a wide range of activities from the Centre. We also use our voice to advocate for better mental health services and suicide prevention at both the local and Greater Manchester levels. Our Centre is located in St. Peter’s Ward, Ashton-under-Lyne, an area that ranks among the 10% most deprived urban locations in the UK. There is an increasing demand for our services, and we are committed to meeting that need.

Like many charities, we face significant challenges, including rising costs, reduced donations, and increasing demand for our services. However, we were honoured with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, including a special recognition for our work during the COVID-19 pandemic. While other services closed their doors, we adapted quickly, reaching out to the people who needed us the most and ensuring our most vulnerable community members continued to receive support.