Maples Group Vehicle Sponsorship Improves Access to Alex Panton Foundation’s New Mental Health Hub

Alex’s Place, formally opened to the public in January 2023, is a collaborative initiative by the Health Services Authority (“HSA”), the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the APF, which challenges the barriers that inhibit young people’s access to mental health treatment.

Commenting on the Group’s donation towards the van, Scott Somerville, CEO of MaplesFS, part of the Maples Group, said:

“As awareness of the importance of mental health increases, it’s essential to ensure that there is sufficient access to services to help those who are struggling. We are strong advocates for mental wellness and are proud to assist the APF and HSA with the provision of a mobile mental health unit. We hope that this new vehicle makes it easier for young people to access critical support in a safe and professional environment.”

The mobile services vehicle is a wheelchair-accessible van, which will improve accessibility to mental health services offered by Alex’s Place, providing both a method of transport for young people to better reach Alex’s Place, and for mental health professionals to provide services out in the community.

Jane Panton, Chairperson of the APF shared the following:

“The Maples Group continues to support the APF in its efforts to meet the mental health needs of the young people in our community and the APF is extremely grateful for their generous donation which will support the mission of our Foundation and Alex’s Place. The van is an integral part of the services to be provided by Alex’s Place that will facilitate mental health professionals going into schools and homes to provide assessments and patient placement as part of discharge planning, as well as bringing those individuals who do not have transportation to seek the services they need. This is a big dream realised for the Alex Panton Foundation.  We have been working on this Outreach initiative since the conception of the APF. I’m deeply honoured to be a part of the team and grateful to all that worked so hard to make this dream become a reality. I believe Alex will be very happy with the culmination of these efforts.  Thank you Maples for stepping forward with this very generous donation for the van.”

Alex’s Place will be an age-appropriate mental health facility for children and adolescents to feel comfortable seeking help, and will be developed in consultation with the UK Health Security Agency and the NHS England, who will offer guidance on the operation and implementation of their triaging model.

To learn more about Alex’s Place, contact the APF at [email protected].