Flood hell leaves charity homeless
A charity is frantically searching for temporary accommodation to allow it to continue to provide its life-saving services to people struggling with mental health issues.
FAMS, which was formed in Wishaw but moved to a permanent base in Motherwell in 2019, supports people in distress.
The charity has been left reeling after the Paul Gerald’s Lighthouse building it operates from in the town’s Orbiston Street was left with serious water damage after pipes burst.
Ceilings collapsed and flooring has been left sodden by the resultant flooding.
Work to repair the damage could take months and charity founder Anne Marie Cocozza is hoping that someone will hear of their plight and come to their aid.
She is appealing to anyone who has premises, a hall, or a large room that is currently not being used to help out.
Anne Marie said: “They’re saying it could be up to three months. We were still open as an emergency service and more than anything we need a place for the next two or three months, and we need to get PPE equipment again until the insurance is sorted out.
“It was burst pipes in the kitchen and it happened during the weekend so we don’t know how long the water was pouring in. The place is an absolute mess.
“The Boys’ Brigade are the landlord so it’s their insurance it will be going through.
“Ideally we would like a hall, but if we can’t get that, even a one-to-one room where we can meet people. A church or community hall would be ideal.”
The charity initially supported people affected by suicide and murder but has broadened its network to help anyone.
The charity launched its FAMS. Chat service last year after being awarded a grant from the Scottish Government, enabling it to switch support from face-to-face to online and over the phone.
It provides “compassionate, non-judgmental, unique, free and confidential ‘Lived Experience Peer-Support’ for those affected by suicide, murder or negative mental health experiences”.
There is now an increased emphasis on engaging with young people who may be struggling with issues including loneliness, self-harm or domestic violence.
The service is manned by up to 50 specially trained volunteers.
Anne Marie said: “It was sad when we realised the damage as FAMS is quite personal to us.
“But every cloud and all that. I’m sure when it’s redone it will look fine, but still it’s a disaster just now at the worst time possible when we have so many people to see. We’ve been overwhelmed by the numbers of the people using our services.
“Even people who haven’t had mental health issues previously, or suffered from depression as an illness, are suffering now. It’s difficult trying to secure funding and this is a major setback for us.”
FAMS can be contacted at 01698 717424 or email: info@ fams.chat