By leaving a gift in your will to Buckinghamshire Mind you could save or change people’s lives.
To find out how your support helps people coping with a mental health problem, please read the testimonials from our service users below.
If you’d like to know more about leaving a gift in your will, please contact Kaya Mallinder on 01494 463364 or email [email protected]
Transforming Lives - film
Befriending
“I can’t put into words how grateful I am to have a Befriender. Befriending is incredibly helpful and I am so thankful I have this support. When I started, I didn’t believe what a difference it would make to my life.
“Befriending gives me structure, support and a focus to my week. It’s a time when I know I will be listened to. Befriender is gracious, gentle and kind. I often let small problems worry me too much, but my Befriender has a different way of looking at things, which helps me to normalise my thoughts. He helps me to make realistic small goals and I am beginning to feel more confident and in control. He is very supportive and never lets me down.”
Find out more about Befriending
Children and Young People’s Services
“We learned all about what a peer mentor is and what mental health is and I’m going to go home and talk about it.” – Peer Mentor
“I liked learning different ways to sort situations out that I couldn’t have solved before. I liked doing a role play and seeing how arguments occur and how to fix it.” – Peer Mentor
“We all put our ideas into action and learnt how to help others. Another thing I liked was how we discussed our feelings and talked about mental health.” – Peer Mentor
“You delivered a powerful message and the staff and students will have gained a real understanding about what mental health is.” – Head of PSHE and Teacher of Science, Cottesloe School
“Thank you for sharing your assembly with us today. Mental Health is a key issue and I know the children learnt a lot.” – Early Years Leader and Music Co-ordinator, Disraeli School and Children’s Centre
Find out more about Children and Young People's Services
Community Based Support
Sam’s Story
Sam (pictured right) was referred to Bucks Mind’s Community Based Support Service by his Care Coordinator. Sam was isolated and spending most of his time in bed. Our Information and Options Worker helped Sam to secure a volunteer role with Radnage House Stables.
Sam struggled at first, but four years later he is a very different person. Sam has achieved an NVQ in Animal Care and works full time.
“The support from my Information and Options Worker has meant everything to me,” says Sam. “I now have my dream job and I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved.”
Find out more about Community Based Support
Community Connectors
“Thank you for everything. I will continue to take positive steps and thanks to you I now have the resources to do just that. You have made a positive impact on my life.”
Find out more about Community Connectors
Counselling for Adults
“Buckinghamshire Mind was there in the most difficult and challenging time in my life and helped me navigate through. It has been absolutely incredible for me.
“It has taken me about eight years to get the courage to do the right therapy as medication alone wasn’t enough to deal with my deep anxiety, traumas and PTSD.
“I was offered fast counselling sessions and relevant safeguard advise by the warm-hearted and skilled professional Counselling Manager. My counsellor listened and was thoughtful in providing relevant feedback to my issues. He was polite and was not intrusive.
“Outstanding, helpful professionals that truly care. I would recommend 10/10; excellent organisation.“
Find out more about Counselling for Adults
Peer Support Groups
“If I hadn’t found Friends in Need, I would still be at home, shopping online, sitting and not washing my hair or showering for weeks. In May, I was suicidal but now I am starting a new job. Coming to FiN has given me back my self-confidence, got rid of my feelings of worthlessness and given my self-esteem a boost! Being open about my depression within the group has helped me to be open in my interview so my new employer knows about my mental health problems, which is a relief.”
“Friends in Need has given me a sense of purpose and of being part of a community where my presence and contribution are valued. This, in turn, has helped alleviate my chronic feelings of low self-worth and low self-esteem, which are the main triggers for depression for me in the past.”
“The support group has been so valuable. It has given me the opportunity to express any issues and talk through any problems. It gives me the chance to meet other people who are experiencing the same or similar as me and to find support.“
“I find it helpful and you can chat about anything that’s bothering you. I feel supported and not judged.”
Safe Haven
“I was told about Safe Haven by the Whiteleaf crisis team – they thought it might help me to talk to them. I was in a mental health crisis. They gave me some safety techniques which helped with my feelings. They also pointed me in the direction of other people who could help me.
“Safe Haven keeps me safe, they are reliable, they do not turn me away, they never make me feel like I am wasting their time. They are genuinely nice, kind people.
“Recently, Safe Haven has helped with my panic attacks. They have helped me gain more confidence in myself. They also put me in touch with CAB to help with my benefits.
“I love the fact that I can come in to the service – it takes me away from the environment which is getting me down. It sets me up again!”
Find out more about Safe Haven
Wellbeing Services
“Thank you for all your ongoing care and support. Not just for me but for those who may have just walked through that opening door for their first time.”
“Since I have been coming to Milestones and the Art Group, I have more confidence in myself and I enjoy interacting with other people. I didn’t realise how talented I was, which I find exhilarating. I feel more light-hearted and happy, whereas before I was depressed. I am so pleased I am getting out. Thank you very much!”
“Thank you to all the Bucks Mind staff, especially at Wings, for putting me forward as a volunteer and for getting me to where I am now. If it wasn’t for them I don’t know where I’d be. They’ve really helped me so much. If anyone is experiencing mental health problems and you need to come to Bucks Mind’s services then they definitely should come because it really will help.”
Find out more about Wellbeing Services
Buckinghamshire Mind is an independent registered charity, no. 1103063.