Western Daily Press (Saturday)
How Joy’s personal trauma led her to set up crisis group
AFTER Joy Hibbins suffered the loss of a close family member she had cared for, suddenly she was in the grip of severe post-traumatic stress disorder.
After seeking support she was placed on an eight-month waiting list for trauma-focused psychological therapy. Twice she attempted suicide over the prolonged wait.
“I realised then there was a clear need for a different type of service which consisted of a suicide crisis centre, home visits and emergency phone lines,” she said.
So in 2012 Ms Hibbins set up the charity Suicide Crisis in Gloucestershire.
Today it has a team of 30 people and cares for at least 25 people in one week.
Her dedication to helping others has now been rewarded after being included in the New Year Honours List to receive a BEM.
She said: “There were many things I could see that needed to be done better when I had my experience.
“When I received help it was from a huge team and each time I received a visit it would be from someone new. I couldn’t make the connection and trust I needed to.
“We assign up to two team members for each client.
“We also give as much control to the client as possible.
“I’d like to think we’ve helped many people in crisis.”
Christmas and New Year is a particularly busy time for the charity, which has two bases in Cheltenham.
She said: “It is a time when families are presented everywhere, so with someone who has suffered a loss it can make them feel isolated and unhappy.
“And then the New Year can bring fear for what the future holds.”
To contact the Suicide Crisis Centre, phone 07975 974455 or visit www.suicidecrisis.co.uk.