Being LGBTQ+ can present different challenges. I needed to talk to someone with first-hand experience of what I was going through so I found a therapist through Pink Therapy. My first session felt like a weight had been lifted. I was truly being heard and understood.
Aiden's story
A homophobic attack left Aiden feeling vulnerable and anxious. Therapy sessions helped him to recover but the cost of them risked pushing him into debt.
Traumatic experiences can knock you sideways. You think you are coping and then you realise you aren’t. Aiden turned to us when he couldn’t afford the therapy which was helping him to rebuild his life.
Finding therapy
The therapy was going well but Aiden started to worry about his finances. He knew the support was making a big difference but he couldn’t afford to continue with the sessions. He felt like he had to choose between plummeting debt or being happy. That’s when his colleague recommended contacting us.
We had a confidential conversation with Aiden where we explored his options together. We found that we could pay towards a fixed number of these tailored therapy sessions. This helped Aiden to continue to grow in confidence.
Making progress
I didn’t feel deserving of the support at the time. But I am so glad I pushed past those feelings. The person I spoke to from CFCS was kind and respectful of my situation. She helped me with the application and I was ecstatic to find out it was a success. It was very emotional to be granted financial support for something so important to me. I will always be grateful for that.
I’ve made great progress with the support of my therapist. I now have the mechanisms in place to help me in future too. It feels very significant that I can concentrate on my mental health recovery without the constant anxiety of funding it.
Reach out for help if you need it
I am personally very thankful to everyone who donates to the charity. You have given me the time and space to manage my wellbeing in a world where discrimination is still very much alive. If you are considering donating but unsure of the impact, then know that I am in my mid 30s and this is the first time I’ve ever had this level and quality of mental health support. I am able to access this because of the Charity for Civil Servants.
I’ve made great progress with the support of my therapist. I now have the mechanisms in place to help me in future too. It feels very significant that I can concentrate on my mental health recovery without the constant anxiety of funding it.
Some elements of this story have been anonymised or changed to protect the person’s identity.
Get involved
If you are a civil servant, facing a tough time – find out how we can help you.
If you’d like to know more about volunteering and joining our Champion Network, find out how to get involved.
Support people like Aiden by making a single or regular donation, leaving a gift in your Will or by fundraising for us. With you alongside us, we can do even more to support civil servants.
