Forest Town teenager's 'heartwarming' project to help youngsters struggling with mental health

A Forest Town teenager has been doing her bit to help young people who may be struggling with their mental health.
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Ellie Haywood, 16, has taken it upon herself to give under 18’s something to smile about this summer by filling boxes full of treats and goodies and sending them out across the country for free.

The not-for-profit self-care box initiative has already helped around 50 children and teenagers in two weeks, with hundreds more to benefit over the coming months.

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Ellie said: "The self care boxes are full of stationary and toiletries and treats and all sorts of nice little things that I will give people for free who are under 18 and struggling with mental health.

Ellie Haywood, 16, at Tesco with their kind donations.Ellie Haywood, 16, at Tesco with their kind donations.
Ellie Haywood, 16, at Tesco with their kind donations.

"I got the inspiration from another Instagram account that was doing something similar, and I just thought that was such a lovely thing to do, to help people.”

Ellie’s project relies on donations to get hold of the items that fill the self-care packages, and to help support more people who may be struggling.

Any donations go straight back in to creating the boxes, which can be found on Instagram via @self.care.boxx.

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Ellie, who will go to West Nottinghamshire College in September to study Pschology, Sociology and English Language, said: "I am only doing it to make people happy.

The boxes contain an array of goodies to make under 18's smile - from Haribo to deodorant.The boxes contain an array of goodies to make under 18's smile - from Haribo to deodorant.
The boxes contain an array of goodies to make under 18's smile - from Haribo to deodorant.

"I have a lot of friends around the area, and further, that have applied for a box, and they can tag me on their Instagram when it arrives and so it reaches other people who may need cheering up.

"There is a link in the bio of my Instagram which will direct you to an application form which will ask you to answer a few questions – such as what is your favourite colour, your favourite animal, things like that.”

Ellie has been inundated with interest for the boxes, with 40 currently outstanding to fill, and as well as support from Ellie’s family, Tesco has donated £70 worth of items, such as shower gels, notebooks, hair accessories, for the boxes from their charity fund.

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Ellie said: “It is mainly girls applying for the boxes, I think I have only had about four boys.

Ellie has already sent out over 50 boxes around the countryEllie has already sent out over 50 boxes around the country
Ellie has already sent out over 50 boxes around the country

"I will do boys’ boxes, but the majority are girls because of the stigma around mental health with boys. I think it is harder for them to bring themselves round to the idea of doing it.”

The joy the boxes bring is clearly infectious, with Ellie receiving regular thanks and compliments.

She added: “I get so many messages from people telling me I have helped them and I have had messages from parents saying that their children loved it – it is really heartwarming to see.”

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Ellie takes monetary donations through her PayPal account, or you can purchase something from her Amazon WishList so that you know where the money is going directly.

Visit @self.care.boxx on Instagram to donate or apply for a box.

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