Christmas should be a magical time for everyone. But we know for many people that isn’t the reality. This winter, we would love it if you could support our #StayHopeful campaign for those in crisis.

As the world continues its fight against coronavirus, our Penumbra teams are still seeing the challenges being faced by many people as a result of the pandemic. This doesn’t however dampen our spirits and as inspirational stories continue to come in from those that we support, they remind us why we do what we do.

Thank you so much for all of your help over the last year, I really can’t express how much it has meant and what an impact you’ve had on my life. I know for a fact that I wouldn’t be as far along the recovery journey as I am today without your support – L’s story.

One of our focuses over the past 2 years has been to introduce the people we support to technology that would make things easier and more accessible, particularly during lockdown when many people have been socially isolated. Tablets for example have helped people to connect with family and loved ones. They’ve also been an essential connection to community resources, hobbies, shopping, medical appointments are so much more. All of this has helped to maintain meaningful connections in spite of the physical distancing.

Nothing quite compares to the support I have received from Penumbra this last 12 months. Their brave support workers all have lived experience and it really helps to make you feel less isolated, less judged and most importantly, they make you feel seen. Penumbra don’t look at the diagnosis, they look at the person and I’ve never felt more valued in my entire life – Holly’s story. 

Since March 2020 our staff teams have carefully assessed the needs of each person and agreed a safe way of providing support whether it be via online video conferencing, text messaging, telephone calls or face to face support. In some situations, it’s been a blended approach of all of these.

But more than that, our teams have adapted and supported people with compassion and kindness. They’ve given people time and space.

My team have demonstrated a great depth of compassion, commitment and flexibility and have been a great support to me, to each other, and the people they support – Fiona’s staff blog.

As we think towards Christmas, we would love it if you could consider making a donation to our #StayHopeful campaign. Here are the simple ways you can donate…

* text PENUMBRA to 70085

* start a super simple festive Facebook fundraiser

* go old school and post a cheque made payable to Penumbra

* visit our fundraising hub

If you can’t give, but still want to support our cause, please do a quick share of our online content with your colleagues, friends and family members. With more people aware of Penumbra’s work, the closer we’ll be to reaching our goal and reducing the stigma surrounding mental ill health. Thank you and #StayHopeful.

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