Trust Links, a mental health charity based in Westcliff, Southend-on-Sea, has been awarded a significant £75,000 donation from the People's Postcode Lottery. This funding will enable the charity to continue its vital work, providing therapeutic gardening projects that assist individuals in improving their mental well-being. The charity reported supporting over 4,000 people last year, but its services are in high demand, with a waiting list of 1,000 individuals eager to benefit from its offerings.
The donation comes at a crucial time as Trust Links aims to expand its reach within the community. The charity runs various gardening courses designed to provide therapeutic benefits while teaching essential skills. Matt King, CEO of Trust Links, expressed his gratitude for the funding, highlighting its significance for both the organization and the community it serves.
“It’s completely out of the blue. We’re so delighted; it makes such a difference to our community to get funding like this,” said King. He emphasized the growing demand for the charity's services, noting that “all the costs are going up—the increased tax, the increased cost for us as an organization, and the rising demand for our services.”
One individual who has greatly benefited from Trust Links is Alex Butler, a 47-year-old man living with bipolar disorder. After losing his job in 2014, Butler sought help from the charity. “I ended up at Trust Links because I knew I needed some kind of therapy. When I was there my whole life changed,” he stated.
Through Trust Links’ therapeutic gardening projects, Butler found a renewed sense of purpose and eventually secured employment as a gardener. “I find it so therapeutic and so rewarding,” he added, illustrating the transformative impact of the charity’s services.
Matt King also shared insights into the broader effects of Trust Links' work. “When people first come they might feel depressed, dejected, suicidal—really struggling. Very quickly we boost their connection, their wellbeing, and mental health," he explained. He reiterated that “honestly our work transforms lives. We save lives on a daily basis just through the work we do.”
In addition to its regular programming, Trust Links is supported by around 200 dedicated volunteers who contribute their time and energy to help others in the community. The recent £75,000 grant will help sustain these initiatives and enable Trust Links to continue making a meaningful difference in people's lives.
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