Friends of the Ferns Helping Rebuild Broken Lives

SO …WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE MONEY AND HOW DOES IT HELP?
The Trustees of Friends of the Ferns are always available to consider requests for many varied items/services for The Ferns and their clients. All it takes is an email from The Ferns and they swing into action to consider the request, and approve where ever possible.
Apart from the large projects, such as the distraction unit and, furnishing and stocking the childrens’ lounge, there are many, relatively, small items that make a huge difference to the clients that pass through the SARC.
Of course, the funding of Critical Incident Debriefing is high on our priority list, but other items include:

BED/MATTRESS: Where a rape or assault has occurred in a victims own bedroom he/she will often resort to sleeping on he sofa or floor because the bed triggers memories of the attack and may also be soiled

SHOES/CLOTHING: Often impounded by the police for forensic evidence but may also be damaged during an assault

WELLBEING JOURNALS: Writing down feelings, help clients who are having difficulty with anxiety/stress management and any other mental health needs that may benefit from mindfulness related exercises

WASHING MACHINE: Some clients leave their home following an assault, and even flee the area because the suspect lives there. They very often end up in supported accommodation to start with; then when they go back to independent living they have to start from scratch.

COFFEE SHOP CARDS: Are provided for the ISVAs, so they can meet with their clients on neutral ground, and buy a cup of coffee for them whilst they chat. It means that the ISVAs do not have to pay for it out of their own pocket.

We have also helped by funding, amongst other items: ART MATERIALS : WORRY BAGS : PLAYGROUP TIME

Here are some comments from recipients:

The bed has made a huge difference and to both my emotional and physical health. When I am able to work again I will be able to pay the funding back to be able to help others in need.”

Thank you so much for your help. You will never know how much this means to me and my family. I wish there was a way to repay you.

I record the positive days in my Wellbeing Journal and on bad days I can go back over the good things.