Just a thought, and it may well have been covered somewhere else in this thread, so apologies in advance if it has. I just wondered if there was something a step on from this wonderful forum for Blues with depression or just general struggles to get help from other Blues. Maybe Everton in the Community do something, or could be approached to do something, or even a general self-help group of guys off here just having a meet up once a month before or after a game at Goodison? For those with social anxiety it might help that they are in a place of comfort where they feel a little more relaxed, and having read some of the posts on here it's clear there are a great many sensible and compassionate Blues who could make a simple difference to fellow Blues who may not be feeling so well at the minute. There may even be professional listeners who post on here who could make a world of difference to others.
The other thought I had was whether there'd be any benefit in setting up an on-line 'buddy' scheme through the pm facility on here ( or maybe a dedicated section on here) where anyone who felt able to help just by listening or conversing with another Blue with difficulties could do it one-to-one over a period, maybe with someone like Groucho or The Esk matching a listener or buddy up with someone who was in a wrong place, rather than an open forum? I know we're not trained but talking openly with someone anonymously might be a good prompt for someone to push on and get professional help once they're comfortable talking about their problem.
You're intentions are very good, however anything like you're suggesting would have to be run hand in hand with professionals. Mental health is an absolute minefield and getting involved practically in anyway needs to be handled extremely carefully for the protection of both sides.
There's some many issues involved which is why it could / should only be done with the involvement of proffessionals.
There's a local mental health charity based in Hope Street, two doors down from the Casa - Imagine. They run a "befriending " scheme, where a volunteer is matched with a person who has mental health problems and basically befriends them - meeting up once a week and supporting them.
If something like this was to get off the ground and it's a big IF, everyone involved would have to be absolutely committed to it, as you can't just walk away from someone who is mentally ill and say this isn't for me as you could make things even worse.
Sorry to come across as negative, but only my thoughts.
