During National Mental Health Awareness week, and as part of the Chaplaincy’s ongoing work to support local charities, University Chaplain Nigel dropped into Lifeline at the Gateway Centre run by Bath-based charity Genesis Trust. Armed with donations and lots of questions, Nigel met Sue, Genesis Life Projects Manager, and Jill, Engagement and Support Worker.
Lifeline is a day centre in Snow Hill in Bath providing crisis support for people who are homeless, vulnerably housed or experiencing complex challenges such as financial insecurity, mental ill-health and substance misuse. They provide food, clothing, small household items, access to a shower and laundry facilities, phones and IT, as well as offering one-to-one support.
Nigel spoke to Sue about her day-to-day work in the Genesis Trust. She commented: “We are seeing more and more younger people with serious mental health issues coming through our doors, which is a very worrying trend. However, there is always hope. Actually, I think it is one of the most important things - that’s why I’ve got a poster on my wall in the office with it on! We can help bring hope and help to anyone who needs us.”
She went on to tell Nigel about some of the range of health and well-being activities that are practical, creative and therapeutic on offer as part of the Life Skills programme run by the Trust. “We offer creative writing, guided walks, and pizza making sessions as well as introducing people to Grow for Life which is another fantastic outreach project helping all sorts of people through gardening in Bath.”
Sue and Jill thanked Nigel for the donations and added: “We’re always in need of donations and at the moment we’re really short of men’s clothing and shoes.”
The Chaplaincy can help if you would like to donate items to Genesis Trust or Lifeline in particular, please get in contact with University Chaplain Nigel. The Chaplaincy Centre also run a delicious vegetarian soup, bread and cheese lunch for staff and students every Tuesday from 12-2pm during term time for a donation of £1.50. The profit from this lunch is donated to the Genesis Trust and this year Nigel and the rest of the Chaplaincy team, are delighted to be handing over £250!
Find out more
To find out more about the work of Genesis Trust visit Genesis Trust