It’s the towering, concrete structure that presides over Stockport town centre, but on Sunday 25th April Stopford House became the cliff face for many as they abseiled down the building in the name of the Mayor of Stockport’s chosen charity, Beacon Counselling.
The Mayor, Cllr Dean Fitzpatrick, attended the descent to watch representatives from Beacon Counselling take on the 130 foot building and help raise money for the important work of the local mental health charity.
Chosen because of the vital mental health services they provide to Stockport, the importance of Beacon Counselling’s work has been highlighted in the past year due to the pandemic. Beacon Counselling has provided invaluable counselling services and support to the people who have needed it the most and have found the lockdowns challenging.
The abseil is an annual undertaking with several local businesses including Stockport Homes and musicMagpie also in attendance to watch the daring feat. Overall, a total sum of over £8,000 was raised to continue to support Beacon Counselling.
Mayor, Cllr Dean Fitzpatrick, said :
It was an honour to attend the abseil for Beacon Counselling, particularly in this year where their work has been more essential than ever.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has been tough for most people in Stockport and nationally, with figures showing a marked increase in reported mental health cases. Lockdown has seen many people struggle with isolation and, in some cases, bereavement: this has increased the cases of depression and anxiety, particularly in younger people.
“Beacon Counselling provides invaluable support for people across our borough and beyond over the past year. I’m thrilled that this event was able to contribute to raising money for this brilliant cause – mental health matters to everyone.”
James Harper, Chief Executive at Beacon Counselling, added:
All of us here at Beacon were thrilled to be selected as the Mayor’s charity this year. I think the work we do has resonated with the people of Stockport particularly this year: everyone knows how it feels to be struggling due to lockdown.
“We’re grateful to the Mayor for attending and to all of our wonderful volunteers who took on the Stopford House abseiling challenge!”
The event took place following strict social distancing guidelines in accordance with the current government guidance.