“They have been nothing short of a lifeline”

I first become aware of RAW People a couple of years ago when I initially went seeking support with my finances and help with locating a foodbank. Although I work full time in the emergency service, I was still struggling just like everyone else at the time to buy food and pay for bills due to the cost of living.Since my first visit to them for support they have been nothing short of a life line and supported me with my mental health with the men’s mental health group while going through a divorce and child contact. Not only have they supported me through men’s mental health they also enabled me to get out of the house and go on welfare walks and day trips out which helped me and others get out the house and socialise.They are open every day for people to go and visit even if just for somewhere warm and a hot drink, we can go as often and as little as we need to and they are always welcoming every time you step through the door. RAW People are great at supporting clients due to their unique approach by having people support their clients who have lived experiences themselves and understand exactly what people are going through and what they are thinking, so are best placed to help support and advise how to approach situations in their life and know which services will be best placed to help their clients further if required.Not only do they support our local community they also support other organisation and work closely with other outreach programmes. In the last year RAW People have won multiple contracts with the community lottery fund and NHS and are going strength to strength providing even more support for the local and wider community.Without RAW People people would most certainly have struggled a lot more and put more pressure on other resources/organisation than it already has. RAW People has helped relieve that pressure and given excellent support to their clients.Due to RAW People help and support I have been able to manage my finances a lot still work full time for the emergency services. I now have a disposable income after all bills are paid and a social life outside of work. Although I don’t go to RAW People as much as I used to (which is a good thing as I am able to manage general life stresses with my coping strategies which I learnt through RAW People) I know I can go there whenever I feel I need support and just a quick message or phone call away or just turn up when they are open and they will greet me the same as any other person and like I never left.