This note left on a car is a brilliant reminder of the importance of checking in with your neighbours
A woman has taken to social media to share a note left for her by a neighbour who checked in after noticing that her car had remained stationary for some time.
Aura – who goes by @Auras_Journey on Twitter – is an NHS worker and a supporter of mental wellness who suffers with Overcontrolled Mixed PD, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) and is in substance recovery.
She shared a picture of a note that her neighbour, Sharon, left on her car yesterday afternoon.
The note read: “Hi, forgive me if I seem nosey, but I’ve noticed your car hasn’t moved in a long time. I hope all is well and you’re okay. If I can do anything, or fetch anything from the shops, please text me.
“Take care, Sharon.”
Taking to Twitter to highlight the kind gesture by her neighbour and express her gratitude, Aura then revealed the devastating reason for her car remaining stationary for a prolonged period of time, which also adds to the poignancy of Sharon’s note.
Aura said: “So lovely that my neighbour posted this through my letterbox.
“Not really sure how to reply though- ‘thanks but I tried to end my life, was sectioned and sent to a psychiatric hospital and now am too suicidal to leave my house, so yes some groceries would be lovely Sharon”.
Aura then followed up on the initial tweet with a response confirming she had reached out to Sharon personally to say thank you.
The follow-up tweet read: “Just so you all know, I did message Sharon earlier today. I thanked her for her incredible kindness and told her how much it meant to me her reaching out at such a difficult time, especially as I live alone.
“She’s left the offer open and encouraged a chat and a cuppa – so thankful.”
Given the sobering nature of the gesture and its importance, the two tweets have gone onto amass thousands of likes and retweets since being posted on the platform yesterday afternoon, as well as hundreds of comments from members of the public offering their well-wishes to Aura, praising the gesture and stating how “the world needs more Sharons”.
Ahead of #WorldMentalHealthDay – which is taking place tomorrow (10th October) – the sentiment of this note under the circumstances could not be more powerful.
Checking in on your neighbours and those close to you doesn’t take much, but it can really mean a lot.
In some cases, a life.
If you or anyone you know may be struggling at the moment, please know that there are many different places you can reach out here in Greater Manchester.
Don’t suffer in silence.
- Manchester Mind – An organisation that has supported people in Manchester for over 30 years. Most services are now available over the phone, by email or video call. Call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463.
- The GM Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust – The local NHS helpline is open 24/7 which you can call any time, day or night, if you feel your mental health is beginning to suffer: 0800 953 0285.
- Andy’s Man Club – A group dedicated to starting conversations about mental health, assuring people that it’s ok to talk. You can contact them by email on: info@andysmanclub.co.uk.
- CALM – The Campaign Against Living Miserably supports people via phone and webchat. You can call 0800 58 58 58 or speak to a support worker online. Open 5pm to midnight.
- Samaritans – The Manchester & Salford Samaritans offer emotional support by telephone and email. The phone lines and email support are available 24/7. Call 116 123 or visit the website.