Community is at the heart of the Ferry Project, and this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week focuses on just that. Community provides a sense of belonging, security, and a reminder that we are not alone. However, homeless people are often left without these things that many of us take for granted, and this can have a devastating impact upon their mental health. 

According to a Crisis report, eight out of ten people who sleep on the streets have been diagnosed with a mental health issue. The Mental Health Foundation found that 26% of homeless people in the UK became homeless because of a mental health problem. Homeless Link discovered that up to 45% of homeless people use drugs or alcohol to cope with their mental health. Homelessness and mental health are inextricably linked. 

But there is always hope. 

What is the Ferry Project doing to help? 

Ferry Project provides more than just a place to sleep. Our clients have access to a vast range of services, including counselling, which provides emotional support and the opportunity to heal from past traumas that may have led to, or been caused by, homelessness. 

When our clients move into any of our Havens, they join a community. Whether it's their fellow residents, the support staff, or the people of Wisbech who share and use our beautiful riverside home of Octavia View, nobody at Ferry Project is alone. Friendships start here. Skills are learned and memories are made. No longer do people need to struggle in silence. Here they can find help, love, care and community. And that can make all the difference in the world. 

This Mental Health Awareness Week we have a variety of acitivities for our residents to help promote community and good mental health including: a private viewing at Wisbech Art Gallery; 'Wear it Green' day; craft activities; a walk around the National Trust gardens at Peckover House; 'Make it Green' cookery session at Ferry Project Cookery School and a fun excercise circuit on the plaza.

What can you do to help? 

This year, as we consider mental health and how it impacts us, let's think about how we can invest in our communities. As we give our time and love to care for others, especially the lonely, everyone will feel the benefit.  

Let’s make sure to extend that love to our homeless neighbours too. You could buy them a drink or a warm meal, or maybe just have a chat; ask their name, shake their hand, listen to their story. As we include the homeless in our communities, some of the most vulnerable people in our society might begin to experience belonging and security, remembering once again that they are not alone. 

Please consider donating to the Ferry Project, or other homeless charities, to ensure this valuable work can continue. Let’s give people a chance to recover, to heal, to be part of a family, and to find a home. 

If you need help with your mental health, we recommend calling Mind’s support line on 0300 102 1234. To find more information about services and organisations that can help you, or those you love, head to Mental Health Foundation’s website.