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SAVING LIVES: Hemel resident sets up group to help people with mental health struggles

 Published on: 6th May 2020   |   By: Amneet Kaur   |   Category: Uncategorized

A resident who has previously struggled with suicidal thoughts has set up a Facebook group which helped save someone else’s life.

Zoe Godden, who a year ago found herself having concerning thoughts while standing on the bridge near the Kodak building, worked hard to reach a better mental state.

Now that she is in a good place, she decided to do more to help people in need of support. 

Thanks to the Facebook group she set up four weeks ago, called YOUnique Minds, she managed to save the life of a woman who tried to take her own life.

Zoe said: “I was sexually abused as a child and it took me a very very long time to deal with that, I’ve been mentally abused massively in a relationship I was in for ten years. I come out of it now.

“I went through all of that to be able to help all of these people.I know it’s not right what happened to me but I’ve learnt to deal with it and I’ve found more of a meaning to my trauma.”

The group, thanks to Herts Police who gave permission, also put in place YOUnique Minds Triangle. This initiative allows to meet one member from the group that is in need of support or having suicidal thoughts at Gadebridge park.

Zoe and another team member will meet that person following safeguarding rules, staying two metres apart and sitting in a triangle shape. The aim is to meet the person who is feeling suicidal and talk them down from doing so, if after two hours the person is in the same state of mind, police is called.

The group is doing a lot more, they have mindfulness Monday, every Monday to encourage people to start meditation, they share educational information, they run quizzes and try to share positivity.

Zoe added: “We are trying to build a support network within the community, to raise awareness of mental health and support those that are struggling. We help their carers and family members to understand also why they are how they are.”

Vicky, a lady who was helped by Zoe wrote on the group: “I have been asking for help from mental health services for days and possibly due to COVID-19 and staffing issues I have been turned away many times with all different excuses. 

“Around lunchtime I made the decision to contact a lovely member of admin on here as I was so scared of what I was about to do. She did not judge me at all for off loading onto her and she got me some help. 

“I was taken to hospital and as a result I have been put forward to have a support worker.”

If you are struggling and need help and a support system get in touch with Zoe and join YOUnique Minds on Facebook.

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