West Bromwich East MP, Nicola Richards paid a visit to The Kaleidoscope Plus Group last month as they prepare to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

Established in 1973, The Kaleidoscope Plus Group provide mental health support to thousands of people around the country to those who need it most, no matter who or where they are. 

During the visit, Nicola heard about the services they offer, including their 24/7 text service, where trained volunteers will speak with those needing support by text and support them in dealing with whatever is troubling them at that time. They also offer counselling, bereavement support and residential care and a host of other services.

One of The Kaleidoscope Plus Group’s campaigns is to end the stigma around talking about mental health. Nicola was presented with her very own Kally the Stigmasauras, the charity’s mascot, to take on tour with her to spread the message that we should all feel comfortable talking about mental health.

Nicola recently visited Washington DC to attend an International Young Democrats Union event, where young politicians and campaigners from across the world meet and discuss issues and ideas.

There, she took Kally to meet politicians from around the world, and now plans on introducing Kally to The Speaker of the House of Commons in the coming months. Nicola said:

“I enjoyed meeting the team at The Kaleidoscope Plus Group and hearing about the work they do, and the support they receive from local people so they can carry on offering these invaluable services.

“I was delighted to take Kally with me to Washington and talk to colleagues from around the world about the importance of ending the stigma around talking about our mental health. This is something I will continue to advocate for in Parliament too.”

The Kaleidoscope Plus Group CEO, Monica Shafaq, added: “We were delighted to welcome Nicola to our headquarters and give her an insight into the amazing work that our staff and volunteers do day in day out to provide vital support to those who need it most in our communities.

“It is great to have Nicola as a supporter of our work and see her advocating the importance of ending the stigma around mental health and even better to see that she is taking our mascot Kallywith her.

“Team KPG and I are all looking forward to working with Nicolaso that we can continue to help to educate and support people who might be struggling both now and, in the future.”