Local woman creates and distributes care packages for those struggling with their mental health

The idea first came from Beth’s willingness to help out a local charity. The first packages she sent were to Don’t Lose Hope, a mental health charity which offer counselling services, workshops and advice to all in the community. They are based out of their community cafe on North Street in Bourne.

This was a cause close to Beth’s heart as she has admitted to her own mental health struggles and has previously worked with the charity while in school.

She said: “My own mental health isn’t great but I’ve always liked helping people. So when I got my first job, I made care packages to donate to Don’t Lose Hope.

“When we went into lockdown, I decided I was going to start sending them to people in the UK who were struggling.”

There has been a strong response with around 200 people already getting in touch via Facebook (Bethany Salmon) and Instagram (bethscarepackages) to request packages for either themselves or their loved ones, forcing Beth to create a waiting list.

A variety of items can be included in the packages, such as tea and coffee, sweets, fidget toys, colouring pages and pencils, tea lights and skincare products. Each package also comes with some uplifting song suggestions. People have the option to either personalise the packages or get a surprise.

Beth added: “I do it all myself. At the beginning of lockdown I was buying all of the items and paying for the postage but recently I have started receiving donations.”

These donations, including ones from Morrison’s in Stanground, have allowed Beth to continue her operation which is being carried out from her partner Jakob’s garage and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

She said: “The local deliveries are the best. I had a lady in Bourne ask me for one for her young children as they had been caring for her since the beginning of lockdown. She ordered it as a surprise and messaged me back later to tell me they were so happy and it had made them cry.

“Another lady recently picked one up for her two young children living with special needs. It’s heart-warming when someone really deserving gets one.”

Anyone wishing to order a package can contact Beth on social media or donate by clicking here.