Spare 10 For Ben (STFB) is a grassroots suicide prevention and mental health charity based in Easington Village, County Durham. The charity was founded following the loss of Claire Dale’s son Ben to suicide in 2020. Since then, STFB has developed into a trusted community space offering holistic support to people experiencing mental health difficulties, loneliness, crisis, financial hardship and wider life pressures.
STFB’s ethos is simple: no wrong door. If someone reaches out to STFB they will be welcomed, supported and either helped directly or if necessary, guided to the right service. What began as a small community response has grown into a vital local support system. Demand continues to increase through self-referrals as well as referrals from social prescribers, NHS services and other local organisations. STFB supports people of all ages, genders and backgrounds, recognising that mental health challenges affect entire communities.
If you hadn’t had been here for me, I don’t think I would still be here.
STFB provides a combination of emotional, practical and therapeutic support designed to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and help people move forward in their lives. Many individuals first come to STFB during periods of crisis but remain connected over the longer term through community activities, helping them rebuild confidence, routine and social connection. The charity particularly supports those reluctant to access statutory services and those who are less likely to seek traditional support. Provision includes:
Community Connection and Social Support - Ben’s Club takes place on Monday evenings, providing a free home cooked meal alongside conversation and emotional support at a time when many services are closed. Similarly, Ben’s Breakfast Club takes place on Saturday mornings and Wednesday Midweek Mingles currently welcome people aged 16 to 78. These groups help people who may be isolated or struggling to feel part of a community again.
One to One Support - People frequently come to STFB feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to turn. It provides compassionate listening and practical guidance with a range of issues and challenges. Where specialist services are required, such as secondary mental health support, it ensures individuals are supported to access the right help rather than being left to navigate complex systems alone.
Holistic Wellbeing Therapies - STFB provides accessible holistic therapies including Indian Head Massage, Auricular Ear Seeding Therapy, and Reiki. These therapies are often financially inaccessible but can provide powerful support in reducing anxiety, stress and emotional overwhelm. For many individuals, these sessions act as a first step in helping them stabilise emotionally and begin engaging with further support services.
Other areas of STFB’s work include a community walking group and a community allotment designed to support mental health and wellbeing through connection with nature. Ben Boxes and Ben Boost Bags provide small but meaningful items designed to increase comfort, self-care and emotional wellbeing for those going through difficult times. Ben Chairs have been placed in meaningful locations to offer quiet places for reflection while symbolising the message that nobody has to face their struggles alone. All initiatives are designed to offer comfort, hope and connection.
Demand for STFB’s services has increased significantly. The charity currently operates with very limited staffing capacity, with its Founder managing the organisation on a full-time voluntary basis whilst also providing frontline support and leadership. In order to enable a safe and sustainable response to increasing demand, the Foundation has supported STFB to increase its paid staff capacity. This will allow the charity to increase therapy appointments, reduce waiting lists and provide greater continuity of support for service users. As funding allows, STFB also aims to recruit a part time administrator and the Foundation will work together to support its growth and development.
