A service crying out for help
We had heard, anecdotally, that mental health services were struggling. This did not, in any way, prepare us for what we saw. First of all, however, I would like to note how kind and caring the staff are, going so far as to give a proportion of their salary to try to improve the patients' facilities and their environment.
The unit has capacity for up to 50 inpatients. The mental health facility was always poorly funded, as in England, a bit of a Cinderella service. However, as a result of the war, resources and staffing levels are even more stretched, and conditions are also challenging for staff. The kitchen where meals are prepared leaves much to be desired.
I will again let the pictures speak of the situation. Every organisation is vying for what resources there are. Deciding where to share the donations we have remains a constant dilemma for us. One that has no easy answers. I have no doubt that what we gave today will be of use.
Again, we came across UN vehicles doing nothing in front of an expensive hotel. They could be put to such good use. It drives us wild.
We are homeward bound now. It's enormously draining at times, seeing and processing all that we have observed. Still, we would not wish to be anywhere else.
Finally we wonder if you could help in a specific way. We have orphanages desperate for washing machines. If anyone is thinking of replacing a washing machine, fridge freezer, freezer, microwave or kettle, please let us know. Contact via the usual trawden4ukraine@hotmail.com. If we got enough offers, we would drive the van over and collect them.
Please keep supporting. I know it's hard over there, but here it's life and death.
Donations:
1. Open PayPal and, when asked for name of payee or email, enter trawden4ukraine@hotmail.com.
2. The collection box in Trawden community shop.
Comments
Post a Comment