A mental health support service in Stoke-on-Trent has received a cash boost in memory of a loved one to improve its support for service users.
Safe Spaces, a short-stay accommodation for people needing a break from their day-to-day lives, has received a donation of £1020 to re-build their garden facilities and provide a safe place for people to talk about their feelings.
The money has been both donated in memory of Safe Spaces’ former Manager, Jackie Smith, who sadly passed away in February 2021.
More than 70 members of her family, friends, and local businesses came together to produce raffle prizes for a memorial event on what would have been her 50th birthday. The money will go towards helping people less fortunate and going through a difficult time.
Jackie was a long-term member of the Brighter Futures team and a good friend of so many that worked with her.
Jackie’s sisters, Karen, Debbie and Tracey, comments:
“Jackie loved Safe Spaces. The money was never going anywhere else. She loved working there and used to speak so highly of the customers there. She also used to spend a lot of time raising funds and we spent a lot of time baking for her!
“Jackie was so passionate about where, who she worked with, and strived to make a difference no matter how big or small a task was. We know for certain that she’d have loved to see the garden done up. Somewhere for people to go, sit outside, and say they weren’t feeling okay.
“She wanted that place for someone to be told ‘you’ve got this’ and ‘you don’t have to do it alone’.”
Kate Williams, Operational Manager of Safe Spaces, says:
“I worked with Jackie as the deputy manager for Safe Spaces for over 3 years. Jackie was warm, funny, and very kind. She had the innate ability to see the problem and allow you time to think of a solution, Jackie never made you feel that you’d got it wrong or made a mistake.
Jackie’s door was always open, and she always had time to listen. Jackie was a great manager and I miss her very much, but I hope I can make a difference, as she did, by continuing to deliver the Safe Spaces service, in her memory, which was always with kindness, warmth, and compassion for all.
“I would like to thank Jackie’s family & friends for their kindness and also those who kindly donated items for the raffle. The donation is incredibly kind and generous and will make a huge difference to all who access the service.”
Marie Mountford, Deputy Manager of Safe Spaces, also comments:
“I worked with Jackie for several years. She was a great friend of mine and so passionate about Safe Spaces. I’m not surprised her family wanted to do something for us. She was a pleasure to work with and sorely missed around here. We can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done for us.
”Safe Spaces is a very calming environment. Some customers who have stayed with us have said they feel like a weight has been lifted and immediately they feel safe. Our excellent staff goes above and beyond to create a support plan that meets individual needs.
“This ranges from listening support, exploring positive distraction techniques which they can use later, or simply a safe place to be with your thoughts.”
Brighter Futures will be matching the donation to assist with the development of the garden, and would like to put on record its thank you to the family for all their efforts.
Safe Spaces provides a safe space during the week and weekends for people in mental distress when hospital admission is neither wanted nor needed.
For more information on Safe Spaces and other Brighter Futures services, visit www.Brighter-Futures.org.uk.