As many of you know, we recently hosted a charity bar night event at the Bull and Barrel. All of the proceeds (over a thousand dollars!) from our event went to First Episode Mood and Anxiety Program (FEMAP) and some of our members had the privilege of going to FEMAP and presenting our proceeds and learning more about the organization!
FEMAP is located on Richmond St in London, and seeks to help youth ages 16-25 with mood and anxiety symptoms and concerns. You don’t need a referral to access FEMAP services, which is what makes it unique- taking away the red tape that prevents people from getting the help that they need.
HCWO was able to sit down and talk with Dr. Osuch, the founder and lead physician of FEMAP, who also conducts brain-mapping research and looks at the impacts of different illnesses on the brain.
Dr. Osuch told us that when she started doing her research, she realized that there was no quick or easy access to professionals who would treat emerging adults with mental illnesses in London. She also told us that those who work at FEMAP are not paid by the hospital, and they have to pay the staff members through research dollars and donations. While FEMAP does currently have a waitlist, they are trying to start a drop-in group, where youth can come in and receive some education and support regarding mental health challenges while they are on the waitlist.
Additionally, we partnered with Soul Stitcher, who made custom team scrunchies for us and sold them to us with half of the proceeds going to FEMAP. Melissa from Soul Stitcher had this to say about our partnership: “We have loved Her Campus since the day we came into contact with the group when we were featured on the HC website. After being approached to lend our support in raising money for FEMAP, we couldn’t say no. We are thrilled to be working alongside so many amazing women doing amazing things as we ourselves identify as independent women! It was just an added bonus that we were donating to a cause that hits so close to home for us. We hope to continue to work with Her Campus in the future! You can never have too many purple scrunchies!”
Huge thank you’s go out to all those who supported us: The Bull and Barrel London, for offering to host our event and working so flexibly with us; Soul Stitcher, FEMAP, and of course, everyone who attended our event and purchased tickets! Your support is so appreciated by our entire team, and we look forward to working with you all in the future.