Funded sessions are available for those who need them - see who it’s for
Navigating darkness, finding light.

#MattsMessage Hope Fund

Who funded sessions are for

The Hope Fund makes support accessible to people in St Ives and across Cambridgeshire who need it most. Here’s who funded sessions are for, how we keep people safe, and what to expect.

This is not an emergency or crisis service

The #MattsMessage Hope Fund provides supportive intervention sessions. It is not an emergency, crisis response, medical, psychiatric, or counselling service.

If you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm, please contact 999 or go to your nearest A&E, call NHS 111, or call Samaritans on 116 123 - free, day or night.

Eligibility

Eligibility criteria

Individuals may be considered for a funded session if they:

  • Are experiencing significant emotional distress, anxiety, depression, hopelessness, or suicidal thoughts.
  • Are unable to afford the cost of a private session.
  • Are not currently receiving equivalent funded support elsewhere.
  • Are willing to engage openly and constructively during the session.
  • Understand the nature and limitations of the service.

Priority may be given to:

  • Individuals experiencing financial hardship.
  • Young adults and students.
  • Individuals who have experienced bereavement, trauma, redundancy, relationship breakdown, or significant life challenges.
  • Individuals identified or referred by charities, schools, employers, community organisations, or healthcare professionals.

Eligibility does not guarantee access to a funded session. Applications are reviewed based on need and available funding.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding and duty of care

The #MattsMessage Hope Fund provides supportive intervention sessions and is not an emergency, crisis response, medical, psychiatric, or counselling service.

If an individual is believed to be at immediate risk of harming themselves or another person, they will be encouraged to contact emergency services, attend their nearest Accident & Emergency Department, contact NHS 111, or access an appropriate crisis support service.

Where there is a genuine concern regarding immediate risk to life, confidentiality may be overridden in accordance with safeguarding responsibilities and applicable legal requirements.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality

All sessions are conducted in confidence. Information shared during sessions will not be disclosed without consent unless:

  • There is a concern regarding immediate risk of serious harm to the individual or another person.
  • Safeguarding concerns arise involving a child or vulnerable adult.
  • Disclosure is required by law.

Donors and sponsors will never receive personal details of individuals who access support through the fund.

How it works

Session allocation process

  1. An individual completes a brief application or referral form.
  2. Applications are reviewed against the eligibility criteria.
  3. If approved, a funded session is allocated subject to available funding.
  4. The individual is contacted to arrange their session.
  5. Following the session, appropriate signposting or recommendations may be provided where beneficial.

Ready to reach out?

Request a funded session

If this sounds like you, get in touch and let us know you’re looking for support. We’ll talk you through the next steps.

Get in touch