|
Maytree -
London...
Saturday December 02, 2006 - The
Guardian
Maytree is a sanctuary for the suicidal.
It provides people in crisis
with a place to go, someone to talk to and a non-medical space to rest
and reflect. It provides face-to-face counselling, and round-the-clock
support
Activities
Maytree sleeps three to four guests at a time, who are welcomed from
anywhere in the UK. Each guest is carefully assessed prior to his or her
stay to determine whether Maytree can help. Maytree does not take guests
who are violent, or with severe drug or alcohol addictions. It refers
these people to organisations that are better equipped to support them.
Guests can stay for a maximum of four nights. If Maytree's volunteers
are unable to help a person within this time, then Maytree recognises
that the guest may need a different service. Guests can stay at Maytree
only once.
Article continues
During their stays, guests have unlimited access to trained volunteers
to talk through problems; to discuss ways to change their lives; or to
explore how they feel. Volunteers are there to listen, befriend, or sit
with a person over a cup of tea. Maytree tries to help guests find ways
to overcome their difficulties outside Maytree.
Results:
Maytree, in only four days, improves peoples' mental health, and reduces
suicidal feelings. On leaving Maytree guests report feeling better
equipped to deal with their relationships, and are more likely to seek
help in future, if needed.
Jane's story:
Jane is 51 with two sons. She recently separated from her husband of 23
years and felt worthless. One day she spent several hours on a station
platform on the verge of 'throwing herself away.' Counselling and
anti-depressants did not help Jane. She was deeply ashamed of wanting to
kill herself. Fortunately she discovered Maytree.
Maytree's success was not immediately obvious as she found it hard to be
cared for and to open up. However a month after Jane left Maytree, her
GP emailed to say how impressed he was with Maytree's effect, and to ask
for more information.
A card with a donation from Jane followed - it read: 'to your wonderful
team ... very many thanks for your love and listening'. Jane has started
therapeutic dance classes which she finds 'liberating'.
Volunteering opportunities and gifts in kind:
Anyone interested in volunteering will be invited in for an initial
meeting to discuss mutual suitability. The next stage, following a CRB
check, is selection and training. Potential volunteers attend three
evening meetings, in small groups, to discuss suicide and self harm,
referrals, assessments etc. The sessions also include role plays focused
on befriending and possible 'nightmare scenarios'. If selected, Maytree
volunteers are expected to cover a minimum of fifteen hours a month,
which may include sleepovers. During the shift volunteers provide
befriending and support to guests. Their role also includes welcoming
new arrivals, carrying out general household and administrative duties
and preparing meals and refreshments. Volunteers are required to
maintain complete confidentiality.
Website: www.maytree.org.uk
|
