Our full-on fight to see a crucial Suicide Support Centre in our town is still as strong as ever.
Gobaith (Barri) have joined forces with CUBE (Community United Barry 4 Everyone).
CUBE, a collective of residents are campaigning to fund a permanent place that provides a series of services, including suicide support, for our community.
They have come together to make a difference for families living with or affected by mental health , suicide, grief and loss , domestic abuse and substance misuse.
Many of them have lived-in experiences of dealing with services, some of them have been supported in the past by other agencies, and others have been instrumental in setting up groups within Barry to help.
CUBE, is the next stage in the story of brave Barry resident Rachel Degaetano, who started the Gobaith Campaign in early 2018 – after the death of her 21 year old son Chae.
The devastated Mum’s made it her mission to set up a suicide support centre in our town.
Support worker Rachel, was compelled to act after the loss of her own boy – followed by ten young people in Barry taking their own lives within the couple of years that followed.
Rachel had originally intended to register Gobaith (Barri) as a Charity and run the Centre herself. But following a battle with breast cancer has now joined forces with CUBE, whilst still fundraising, and working behind the scenes.
CUBE are a Community Interest Company (CIC), run by Tammi Owen, who are now calling on Barrians for our help.
A community interest company (or CIC) is a special form of non-charitable limited company, which exists primarily to benefit a community or with a view to pursuing a social purpose, rather than to make a profit for shareholders.
Tammi said: “I want to set up a Hub where people and families are able to access support and help under one roof. It will also provide activities , meeting places and a place just to sit and have a coffee and a chat.”
The Centre is for the community, and run by the community. it is aiming to be open late in the evening and weekends to help people who work, or are in school.
The original Gobaith (Barri) Suicide Support strand, which is still very much-needed, will, of course, be very much part of this.
CUBE hopes to provide support for those affected by mental health – and also those living with many other difficult and challenging issues too.
Tammi added: “Many people will know that I’ve been working and supporting the people of Barry for 30 years.
I’ve worked for the CAB, Women’s Aid, Mental Health , Social Services to name a few and I’ve donated free private counselling hours to help the people who needed to talk.
I’ve worked tirelessly for my community and now I’m calling on my community to help me fund a building and to set up services for the people of Barry. “
“I know we can do this, this is a direct call to action,” Tammi added.
All donations to CUBE (Community United Barry 4 Everyone) can be made here.
If you would like to help fund the Centre by putting on an event, or helping them raise money, contact Tammi Owen at tammi@heroestraining.co.uk.
You can also call the Samaritans, anytime, day or night if you need someone to talk to.
Working with Gobaith in the early days, churning our numerous press and pr, completely gratis of course, really felt like we were making a difference in a town totally wrapped in grief.
And I was heartened to see Rachel’s story make the local, and national news – with her personally recognised with a very well-deserved win at the Bro Radio Awards.
Thanks for being a huge part of the mrssvj.co.uk story too, and good luck with the rest of your journey – Rachel, Gobaith, and CUBE.
Never has mental health, especially among our young people, been so important.
It’s ok not to be ok.
Speak soon.
Mrs SVJ
Sue Vincent-Jones, writing as Mrs SVJ, is a Barry born journalist, editor, and communications specialist. She blogs about Barry – and her life in the wider world, through the eyes of a, quirky and queer, local girl done good.
As a community activist Sue was an integral part of the Gobaith Campaign for a much-needed Barry Suicide Support Centre. She was Media Lead, and Communications Advisor for the Group who have now merged with CUBE.
Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.