A charity is desperately raising funds so that it can keep giving young people mental health support in Hemel Hempstead and surrounding areas of Herts.
Signpost, which has been supporting young people in south-west Hertfordshire for 44 years, succeeded in raising the £20,000 it needed by the end of November to prevent itself from closing.
The community pulled together and saved Signpost in its time of need, much like the charity does for its clients.
But the charity said that the £20,000 was merely to keep its doors open in the immediate future, and that it would take around £50,000 to continue helping youngsters beyond 2019.
Signpost asked some of their clients if their lives would’ve been different without the charity’s services.
Here are some responses:
“It would not have been as good as it is now. I wouldn’t have confidence in myself. I would have tried to end my life.”
“I would have messed up my final year at university. Been more depressed and given up on life.”
“My life would have been very hard to handle and even possibly non-existent.”
“I would still think less of myself. I would still be depressed and much more anxious. I would still be drinking huge amounts.”
“I would have felt I was ‘surviving’ rather than ‘living’.”
The charity said: “Unfortunately, due to a chronic lack of funding, we are in a severe financial crisis and at serious risk of closing at the end of December 2018. We have given vital support to thousands of young people over the years and want to continue doing the same for generations to come. Please help us to be able to help them.
“We’re thrilled and grateful to have the £20,000, but unfortunately it’s not going to be enough to sustain Signpost long-term.”
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