Day 325 – The difference the cash could make
A couple of weeks ago, while on a bit of a high, I had a thought that the money made from the sale of the dresses would be better spent if it was divided up between Mind and Stretton Ward. Though I was a little high when I had this idea, it cemented itself in my head and after running a post asking for your thoughts, they were by and large positive.
Many people suggested that the money would be best given to the ward as it has been a place that has been of aid to people like me. There have been many differing opinions regarding the split of the cash, with some saying that all of the money made should be given to the ward, with others saying that a fifty fifty split might be more appropriate.
The nice thing about this project is that it is my own, an original idea which was all mine. I have had help, particularly during my time inside, updating the blog with guest posts and admittedly without the kindness of dress donations it never would have worked.
This is why I am particuarly keen to get your feedback on how you think the money should be split between Mind and the ward. I am thinking that a split down the line would be the best course of action but I really want to know what you think.
The money that is given to Mind, I must admit I do not know what it will be used towards, though I do know that their recent campaign to stamp out the stigma of mental health has been a success. The charity provide great advice to people like me and their loved ones about how a mental illness can best be dealt with and they are a wonderful charity.
With Stretton Ward, at the Brandon Unit in Leicester I can tell you exactly what the money will be used towards, entertainment. The hours on the ward go extremely slow and this is not helped by the fact that there are fairly limited facilities in terms of entertainment. We have a Wii, but only one game and two remote controls. We had a TV and a DVD player but there were no DVDs to play. All of them were brought in by patients and when these inmates left the DVDs went with them.
There are games and puzzles but they are old and battered and often there will be pieces missing and boards are scraped. If the money was to be donated to Stretton Ward, be it half or even just a quarter, it could be used to buy new games for the Wii, DVDs and other equipment such as craft m, materials and even to pay people to come in and put on classes.
Please give me your feedback on all of this, I really need to make an informed decision and the more people who support this idea, the more people who donate dresses the more money that can be raised.
I look forwards to reading your comments.
