Supporting Mental Wellbeing

Winter and Christmas are challenging times for those we support.  Many veterans or family members feel isolated, alone and often adrift as others celebrate Christmas and New Year.  The celebrations often feel a mockery to those who live on their own, or who are lost in the dark depths of their minds and thoughts.

Which is why the funds and support that we receive are so vital in providing social support at this time of year.  We aim to provide hope, trust, laughter and companionship in the dark winter months.  We hold national bake offs (always an excuse to promote our cafe hubs and the fabulous work that they do never mind the opportunity to sample more cake!), activities (including coffee and cake) as well as quiz's which have now gone national, where one cafe hub team is pitched against another.  These are becoming increasingly popular with invidual veterans and/or family members pitching in and interacting with each other in ways that they would not normally.  It is amazing what a bit of competition (and discussion about whether or not the answer is really correct (!)) does for confidence, friendship and laughter.

And of course, this all requires mental agility of varying degrees, a huge amount of banter, and most importantly it cuts across all age groups and backgrounds!  They are great fun and is designed to draw even the most isolated individuals into an enjoyable evening.  These quiz's provide bright spots within the dark days of winter, and help those we support come together and dispel some of those darker clouds.

So thank you for all your support and donations this year.  We cannot thank you enough - and on behalf of those whom we support, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

How true is the title of this report; for everyone.  Mental wellbeing is about resilience, confidence, vulnerability, honesty and communication.  So few words that encompass so much - and we are all affected - all of us.  

The cafe hubs that we provide and support, and the work that we do, has a ripple effect far far greater than we can see immediately.  The donations that you give us for this work affect women, children, men, carers, and the community.  Every problem (welcome to life) that can be shared, solved and even discussed contributes to a better life, a better solution and provides comradeship, laughter, and a life lived better and more enjoyably.  

Your donations help us bridge division, misunderstanding, isolation, loneliness, anger, trauma, shame and guilt.  The work we do, that you so vitally support affects every single person in the communities we work in - however remotely.  

'Thank you a great evening it gave me an insight on how to be present and take time to do what I really need to do for myself.'

'Thank you to the whole group for listening and supporting with no judgement and allowing me to be me.'  

...... talked about the benefits of Model club and attending the FirstLight Trust hub. One veteran stated. 'It keeps me sane having a weekly routine and reason to leave to the house.'

Another veteran stated he never realized how isolated he had become and coming to the hub for activities have opened new doors allowing him to learn to socialize again and feel comfortable around new people.

So please help us to carry on preventing the accumalitive effects of mental ill health, by doing what comes naturally - meeting, communicating, supporting and helping others with kindness and empathy.  And the results - they speak for themselves.  Your donations help save lives, and help others to save lives too.