Stories from the heart of the Tent Community
Community is at the very heart of everything that TENT CIC does. From welcoming our daily customers into the cafe, the groups we host and run to the major mental health support projects we offer, TENT is the central hub of a large and diverse community. We want to collect your stories about TENT, how you first discovered us, why you stuck around and how you are currently involved. We want everything, every story, every anecdote and every memory you have of spending time as part of the TENT community. This collection of stories will help us to see how far we have come but it will also help us to look ahead to what the future might hold and find the funding to make it happen. So please write your TENT story for us using the form below.
Feedback from our work with people experiencing suicidal thoughts:
“I have been diagnosed with general anxiety disorder and depression, I am currently medicated on Sertraline 50mg, however, no matter how much medication I'm on it does not stop the fact that the issues are still there, it's just like putting a plaster over the wound. It takes time for it to heal but then I'm still there with a horrible scab that keeps being pulled apart.
With Tent, I do not have this, I have people who are there to support me, listen and not clock watch, or just fobbing me off with medication and tell me to write a diary. I have never attempted suicide because I have my kids to love for, however, that hasn't stopped me from having dark thoughts. What the workshops do and have done for me has given me the time and resources and space to really let myself think about the positives of my life and how I can manage these thoughts and knowledge I'm not alone. In the 1 year of me coming to Tent, I have had so much more support, and genuine kindness and understanding when it comes to mental health. Tent has given me the chance to re-evaluate my life and know that even in my darkest days there is always a light shining through, and tent helps me find the light within. I know I'm safe at tent and I know that there's no judgement and having the funding will help so many people like myself to be able to feel so much better about themselves because there are resources and knowledge and skills they can take back with them to use when they really need it. Rarely will a professional ever really fulfill someone's expectations because everyone is different. Not everyone feels comfortable with going to a therapist, however tent breaks that barrier, by giving that interpersonal experience and holistic care, support and knowledge that comes from real life experiences and passion.
I highly recommend tent for suicide prevention because tent has saved me and others from doing something that we cannot turn back. Also, tent has helped keep families together.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
"Tent is the only project that is actually keeping me alive. Tent is only place in north Lincolnshire I actually feel safe in. It is only organisation that understand the barriers that Romany gypsy lady has in get support. The only project that is actually helping stay alive so I can actually help keep other women to stay alive.
This project will save hundreds of lives of traumatized vulnerable people who are victims that want end their life because of the rubbish and trauma they have been through. Tent gives a holistic help that nobody else can do in this area. Nikki and Vic are a brilliant team who promote and help people recover. Nikki have done more for me, than every mental health profession I met, that could work with me.
Rdash cpn are actually promoting tent to clients. Everyone is mentioning tent everywhere, you are going global in the area. Blue door is praising Tent. John Leggot College students have been praising Tent. Forge clients are praising Tent. I thank Tent for saving me"
“Coming to tent was such a hard step for me to take but ever since I came I have always felt safe and secure in their environment. The safe space given is amazing and for me it was huge to be in a safe space. I would not very often socialise, I prefer to stay home in my safe space. Coming to Tent has forced me to socialise with people I now see as friends for life. I feel the group has supported me and it’s felt safe to socialise which is helping my confidence grow. The group has taught some amazing skills and helped my brain re-focus. I have felt like my day to day I couldn’t focus on anything but with help from the group I have realised I am so capable of so much and refocusing is helping me heal.”
“Tent is a safe space. I don’t think I will ever stop wanting to be gone from the world but the group has really helped me feel better. The group has been helpful for me to see I’m not alone.”
“I have enjoyed the group has been lovely and friendly. Loved learning new skills. Lovely people on this group. Friendships have been formed. It’s a safe place. Vik and Nikki have been really supportive and thank you for everything!”
“Tent helps stabilise me. Anna is amazing teaching crafts. Tent is safe for vulnerable people. Tent has kept me alive.”
"The TENT Project gave me a safe space and the confidence to pursue my dreams. I found a family here that truly believed in me."
Sarah J.
"Through TENT, I discovered new skills and a sense of purpose. It truly transformed my outlook on life and helped me connect with incredible people."
Michael P.
"The support I received from The TENT Project was invaluable. They provided the tools and encouragement I needed to thrive, making me feel truly seen."
Anya K.