How charity Open Door has turned loss into lifesaving mental health action

In a world where mental health challenges touch nearly every life, Open Door in Stockport is making a powerful difference.

Their dedication to providing immediate, compassionate support has earned them the prestigious Co-Production Award at the North West regional finals of the Great British Care Awards—a testament to their groundbreaking approach to mental health care.

At the heart of this remarkable team is Fiona Marsden, a mother who turned unimaginable personal tragedy into a life-saving mission. After losing her son to suicide five years ago, Fiona channeled her grief into a relentless drive to transform mental health services.

Open Door, Stockport

Fiona Marsden, the Service Manager at Open Door, is at the heart of this award-winning team.

Her journey to this role is deeply personal. Five years ago, Fiona lost her son to suicide, and through his struggles, she witnessed firsthand the barriers people face in accessing the right mental health support. This experience shaped her passion for helping others who find themselves in similar circumstances.

“I lost my son to suicide, and during that time, I found it incredibly difficult to get him the right help,” Fiona shared.

“It was a time filled with frustration and helplessness, as we navigated a system that didn’t seem to understand what we truly needed—support that was both emotional and clinical.”

Fiona’s journey took a transformative turn when, after the tragic loss, she became involved in fundraising for local charities, including Open Door.

The team’s dedication to supporting the mental health needs of Stockport’s community struck a chord with her, leading to her decision to join the team.

“I started as part of the fundraising team, and I was so impressed by what I saw here at Open Door. The team was doing amazing work, but they were stretched thin. I knew I could bring something to the table,” she recalled.

Two years ago, Fiona joined the team at Open Door. She started as a recovery worker, then became a team leader, graduating to a service manager in April last year. Since then, she has been pivotal in shaping the direction of the service, ensuring it remains focused on its core mission—delivering high-quality, tailored support for those facing mental health challenges.

An award-winning team

Fiona, along with Senior Recovery Worker Ryan Worland and Team Leader Elaine Gundersen, proudly accepted the Co-Production Award at the gala ceremony at Manchester’s Kimpton Clocktower Hotel.

The judges praised Open Door’s empathetic, person-centred approach, highlighting the team’s collective lived experience of mental health struggles and crises, which allows them to connect with service users on a deeply human level.

“Open Door exemplifies co-production with every staff member using their own experiences of mental health crises to provide deeply empathetic support,” the judges remarked.

“This unique approach, paired with professional skills and teamwork, consistently exceeds targets while ensuring no one is left behind.”

For Fiona, the award represents much more than just a win—it’s a validation of the ethos that drives Open Door.

“The team is absolutely thrilled. I’m so proud of each and every one of them. What makes us effective is that every team member has either personal experience with mental health issues or has been affected by a loved one’s struggles. We truly understand what our service users are going through,” Fiona said.

“We don’t just talk about person-centred care; we live it every day. It’s not theoretical for us—it’s personal.”

The team’s efforts will now be showcased at the national finals of the Great British Care Awards, where they’ll compete against other regional winners for the top honour. Fiona and her team are hopeful that their hard work and dedication will continue to be recognised on a national stage, bringing even more attention to the vital mental health support available in Stockport.

A community-centred approach

Open Door provides essential, immediate mental health support to individuals who are in crisis. Located on Prince’s Street in Stockport, the service offers a range of support options including face-to-face appointments, telephone consultations, WhatsApp, and video calls. The service is designed to meet the needs of local residents, offering help to those who might otherwise slip through the cracks of the traditional mental health care system.

The drop-in service allows individuals to access help without the need for a referral, ensuring that no one has to wait for care when they need it the most. The team at Open Door is committed to offering compassionate, individualised care, with each service user receiving tailored support that reflects their unique situation and needs.

Keri Smith, Associate Director at Making Space, which operates Open Door, expresses her pride in the team’s accomplishments. “We couldn’t be prouder of the incredible Open Door team,” she says. “Their dedication and compassion ensure that each individual receives tailored support to meet their unique needs, helping them build resilience and move forward on their journey.”

The future of Open Door

As Open Door continues to grow and evolve, Fiona and her team are determined to ensure that their service remains a vital resource for those experiencing mental health challenges. With plans for further expansion and continued support for those in crisis, Open Door is a true lifeline in Stockport.

“We are over the moon with this award,” Fiona said, beaming with pride. “It’s incredible to see the work we’re doing being recognised and valued. We are excited to continue helping people in Stockport and beyond, and we’re hopeful we can bring home another trophy for mental health in Stockport at the national finals.”

The team’s efforts are a shining example of what can be achieved when lived experience and professional care are combined to offer truly empathetic, person-centred support.

As Open Door’s story continues to unfold, it’s clear that this team will continue to make a lasting impact on the mental health landscape in Stockport and beyond.

Open Door Contact Information

Open Door offers support via telephone, WhatsApp, and video call as well as face-to-face support at its 72 Prince’s Street hub (SK1 1RJ). The Open Door 24/7 helpline provides emotional support 24/7 on 0800 138 7276.

You can also contact Open Door via email at [email protected] or call 0161 549 9710.

You can visit their website by clicking here