Words by Smiley Team
When the pandemic struck, sexual health therapist and ex-nurse Susi Halley was re-deployed to the Covid-19 wards to help loved ones say 'goodbye' on video calls to family members dying from the virus. After witnessing the devastating toll this had on staff members, Susi returned to her job in sexual health and decided to fundraise for a mental health charity serving these workers, Frontline19.
Every day for 28 days she is taking a cold dip in the Thames to raise money via her fundraiser for the charity, which provides free and confidential psychological support for frontline workers tackling Covid-19. So far she has raised over £5,500 and has just four days left to reach her goal of £10,000.
The 46-year-old from Teddington, South West London, said: “All I set out to do was raise a few quid to show that I care about each and every one of my colleagues. Now I hope that my contribution may help someone's crisis be transformed through readily available therapy, into something functional and positive.”
With just a few days to go Susi needs all the support she can get to reach her fundraising target. Donate to her fundraiser and help support the frontline heroes battling to get us through the pandemic.
Created in March 2020, Frontline19 has supported NHS and frontline staff since the beginning of the pandemic, offering them a supportive environment to offload to a psychiatric professional via the telephone or video call. Their services are entirely free and they offer anything from a 20-minute call to weekly support sessions.
Susi said: “The Frontline19 therapists have volunteered for a year and are entirely amazing humans themselves. The passion of the Frontline19 team including Claire Goodwin-Fee, founder and Ellen Waldren have to continue supporting the frontline is infectious.”
To support their vital work beyond Susi’s 28 swims, make a donation to the long-term Frontline19 fundraiser.
You can also help by purchasing from their range of uplifting Frontline19 tote bags, t-shirts and hoodies.
If you’re an NHS or frontline worker in need of help, fill in the form on their website, which can be found here.
