Mental Health United Kingdom Project #61971

Help us support the '000s who support you

by FirstLight Trust

Project Report | Jul 20, 2024
A life changed

By Dorinda Wolfe Murray | CEO

Oft times we can feel that there is absolutely nothing we can do that is going to make a difference; either to one's own life or someone elses. We beg to differ. This is the story of one of those who served their country and having done so then suffered trauma and 'knocks' but had the courage to ask for support. Here is his story.

When you start your day facing struggles. When you need help with housing, income, fear of social gatherings, connecting with others. When you need support and help. A listening ear. A guiding hand.

That was George. A veteran of the army and then the police force. 15 years of serving this country. Struggling with his confidence and self-esteem after facing many traumatic challenges and situations.

With courage George turned to FirstLight Trust and together they focused on his challenges and his goals and interests. Agreed a care pathway. Collaborated with other agencies for wrap around care and improved his mental and physical health.

George is now settled in his own home. Financially secure enabling him to save and enjoy travelling. With the coping mechanisms FirstLight Trust support gave him George can now deal with his anxiety, has improved his confidence and become an active part of his local community. He attends a weekly cycling group and helps organise community litter picks that other veterans take part in and improves the local community.

“I never thought I could be involved in a social setting and now I’m organizing and running events all thanks to Firstlight Trust and the support I received “

Please support us to support others by sharing our stories with others who care.

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Mar 10, 2024
Thank you......

By Dorinda Wolfe Murray | CEO

Everyone enjoys football

On behalf of all the thousands of people we support, I want this report to say a heartfelt 'thank you'. The funds that GlobalGiving helps us raise goes towards supporting those who have over the years done so much to support us.

At FirstLight we are so fortunate that we get to see the miracles your funds help us to perform, face to face and in person, often combined with much laughter, humour and gratifude. We do not underestimate the courage it takes to ask for help; nor for the determination and sheer doggedness that it takes to keep delivering support face to face where it is needed despite institutional indifference and the insane conviction that the internet and call centres can replace a human case worker!

As we go into a new financial year, the need for the work we do has never been greater, nor been more valuable. Below we have listed some of the comments from those we have supported, and those for whom your donations are life saving and life changing.

DL – ‘Best thing I ever did was walk through the doors of FirstLightTrust, I’ve turned my life around.’

ID – ‘If it wasn’t for you I’d have given up a long time ago – I’m not lying, I wouldn’t be here you really have saved my life.’

JN – ‘You get things done, I tried other avenues, been asking for years for help – I come to you and things get done.’

DG – ‘If it wasn’t for that phone call I got from you on that Monday morning I genuinely don’t think I would be here today – I mean that, thank you’

And how do we/you do this? We carry out good old fashioned case work which means that it is often not a 'quick fix' but a journey that takes time and effort on ours and their behalf. It can encompass food parcels, housing, helping deal with the crippling effects of loneliness and isolation and creating confidence and giving individuals a belief in themselves again, and a reason to live - as you can see from the photograph attached....

We create central cafe hubs open to all full of laughter, space, safety, books and brilliant coffee and cake.... and within that we provide the professional, caring and effective case work that changes lives. And then there are the activities, the wellbeing checks, the social events, all of which help create a meaningful life.

Please help us do more of this; we are increasingly relying on individual donations to drive the change at grass roots and street level that genuinely and positively affects so many lives. We cannot do it without your help.

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