A local pizza company is doing its bit for mental health services in North East Lincolnshire – by serving up a generous slice of its profits to NAViGO.
Dough Bros will be donating 20% of the profits from their pizza gravy bottles to our official charity, The Gardiner Hill Foundation.
Co-owner Danny Smith made the decision after experiencing a mental health crisis and consequently receiving care from our Harrison House team – including staff on Meridian Lodge, Pelham Lodge and in the crisis team.
Danny said: “The treatment I received was top notch. The nurses on the lodge were all friendly and outgoing. They were helpful in making me feel like I could talk to strangers about my struggles.
“It was a bit of a revelation when I found out that it wasn't too bad talking to people who I didn't know about what I regarded as personal things.”
Danny says his time on the lodges felt like a ‘crossroads’ in his life and it helped motivate him to make changes in his life.
He continued: “Without the care I received, I feel I'd have probably not had the guts to make such a big risk by changing my circumstances.
“I feel I need to say thank you because, quite simply, I don't believe I'd be where I am today without the help of NAViGO.”
The Gardiner Hill Foundation was set up to enhance the lives of people in North East Lincolnshire who live with mental health problems, helping them live independently and access education, training and employment opportunities.
Tom Hunter, Chair of The Gardiner Hill Foundation, said: “I am delighted to accept these generous donations and would like to thank Danny and the Dough Bros team for their kindness.”
“We’re proud of the impact that NAViGO staff make on the mental health and wellbeing of the local community and success stories like Danny’s are testament to the work our people do every day.”
Danny says that with the support of NAViGO, he’s managed to turn his life around and hasn’t felt this good in years.
He’s hoping to encourage people to ‘have that conversation’ by reaching out for help if they need it.
“If you're struggling and you can feel you are slipping further into depression, there is an amazing service that works. You keep your dignity and you're not judged for any of your feelings.
“There's a huge stigma about mental health still so even if we can help a couple of people through this, it is totally worth it.”
Dough Bros are based in Freeman Street Market and take delivery orders between 5pm and 9pm on Friday and Saturday evenings. You can order food and buy the pizza gravy on their website.
Get help
If you are struggling to cope, are worried about someone you know or need to speak to someone urgently, there is a range of help available.
- The COVID-19 mental health support service offers support to anyone who has been affected by the pandemic in any way. It's free and available 24 hours a day. Just call (01472) 256256 and select option 3 or freephone 08081 968442.
- If you’re in a mental health crisis and need urgent help, call the Single Point of Access on (01472) 256256 and select option 3. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Safespace provides instant support if you’re vulnerable and need assistance with your mental health out-of-hours. You can speak to the team using Zoom or by calling in via telephone, between 5.30pm and 11pm, Monday to Friday.
- Open Minds offers a range of talking therapies aimed at helping you to deal with the effects of stress, anxiety and depression. You can self-refer to Open Minds online.