David Rutley MP has thanked Macclesfield charity Just Drop In For Supporting young people during the coronavirus pandemic.

Supporting young people has remained an important focus for Just Drop In (JDI) throughout the pandemic, and as we begin to emerge from public health restrictions.

On the visit to Just Drop In on 14 Duke Street, Macclesfield, David met with Steve Oliver, new Chair of Trustees, and Ann Wright, Chief Officer.

David thanked the team for all the support they have provided during the pandemic – not just working to improve mental health and emotional well-being, but assisting disadvantaged young people more widely.

Ms Wright set out how, working with partners such as Cheshire & Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (Macclesfield's local mental health service providers), and other local charities, JDI has helped to address a wide range of concerns, such as anxiety and low mood, during these challenging times.

Mr Oliver explained how the Macclesfield charity has strengthened the leadership team and significantly increased its number of counsellors over recent years to enable more young people, and their parents, to be given the support that they need.

Just Drop In is a vibrant and growing local charity, which provides counselling services, including telephone and Zoom counselling, well-being services and

support for young people, parents and carers.

Notable supporters of JDI include the upcoming Macclesfield Bikeathon and various Macclesfield supermarket stores.

JDI provides free and friendly services for children and young people from Macclesfield and the surrounding areas, supported by a qualified and experienced team.

The charity's work helps over 1,000 beneficiaries each year.

David was pleased to hear about future plans to work more closely with local schools and to develop more ways to assist disadvantaged children in our area.

He was interested to hear of JDI's plans to further develop the mentoring scheme, which will help more vulnerable children and young people grow in confidence and realise their potential.

After his visit, David said, "Just Drop In continues to provide invaluable help and support for children and young people, building on its proven track record over nearly twenty years.

"JDI's work has been more important than ever during the

pandemic and will continue to be as we move back to more normal times.

"The coronavirus pandemic has had a major impact on young people's mental health and wellbeing, and we are very fortunate to have a charity with such a dedicated team and many volunteers to assist with this vital task".

You can donate and find more about the charity here.

JDI are celebrating their 20th birthday this year, and have been housed in three different locations around town.

Originally opening on Chestergate in 2001, and then Great King Street, before moving into their Duke Street home 10 years ago.

Earlier in the week, Macclesfield's Conservative MP voted for the new Health and Care Bill, which was on the second reading.

You can learn more about our MP through his website.

Macclesfield's MP can be contacted here.

Please consider signing up for Macclesfield Nub Voice, a platform which allows you to have your say on the issues in our town, and our country.

You can find more about Nub Voice here, and sign up here.

Please also follow Macc's online newspaper on your favourite social media platform.

You can find us on Facebook or Twitter.