Golding Homes supports local mental health charity
Maidstone housing association Golding Homes is proud to be supporting a local charity making a difference to people struggling with their mental health.
Tommy’s Rainbow Trust offers support to people with mental health problems, offering a service for both adults and children. The charity aims to bridge the gap between various health services to ensure people can access the help they need, when they need it most.
The charity was founded by Maidstone mum Claire Fry, following the tragic death of her son Tommy in November 2019. Tommy sadly took his own life after suffering with his mental health following a homophobic attack.
Recently Golding Homes held its annual staff conference where the theme of the day was ‘tackling stigma’ and Claire, a former Golding Homes resident, gave a moving talk at the event, describing how she wants to make a difference and save lives in Tommy’s memory.
To support the valuable service Tommy’s Rainbow Trust provides, Golding Homes has awarded the charity £2,000 from its Community Investment Fund. This funding will help the Trust continue its important work in the local community.
Sue Chalkley, interim Chief Executive at Golding Homes, said: ‘Tommy’s Rainbow Trust is doing fantastic work which helps people in our communities who are battling with their mental health. It was incredibly moving to hear Claire speak about her son at our staff conference, so we’re very proud to be able to support her and make sure this important work continues.’
Claire Fry, of Tommy’s Rainbow Trust, added: ‘If someone had given the service we supply to my son, it’s possible Tommy would still be here. We are filling the gap that’s missing between existing services, working with multiple agencies to make sure people get the help they need and aren’t left in the system.
‘This funding will help pay for our premises where we offer continuing support, giving our patients the chance to recover and have intensive therapy. The funding will help keep us going, keep saving lives and bring the community back together again.’