#ISBFX - This Is What Doing Good Looks Like
“I know you've been hurt, by someone else.
I can tell by the way you carry yourself.
But if you let me, here's what I'll do. I'll take care of you”
Gil Scott-Heron (& Jamie XX) - “I'll Take Care of You”
If you say something too frequently it can become almost cliché. But that doesn't make it any less true.
So I'll say it again. The Independent Salford Beer Festival is a Not For Profit event. It always has been. Always will.
What does this mean?
It means that once costs are taken into account, ALL profits go to a good cause.
Since 2018, that cause has been START in Salford (aka Start Inspiring Minds).
Brunswick House - Home of START
We needed - I, Jim, needed - something, a cause, that was both local and helped people through the darkest of times. And we were fortunate that my dear friend Gerry knew just the place.
That's START.
The following words are from Hannah Flint - Development Manager at START. They’ll give you an idea as to the impact YOU can have on the lives of others…. Over to Hannah.
“Last year, The Independent Salford Beer Festival goers raised an incredible £14,250.00 to support START’s mental health recovery and prevention work across Salford. This fantastic contribution meant we could continue to offer innovative and creative, non-clinical and community-based support from our beautiful studios and garden at Brunswick House, as well as in community locations across the city.
“Mentally I have definitely changed, and my intrusive thoughts are more under control now than for a long time. I find START an amazing sanctuary in this way too busy world. An oasis of love, care and professionalism” – member quote
Every year, people experiencing mental health issues ranging from mild/moderate to more serious and enduring conditions find support, connection, opportunities and new skills through our services. Our “Inspiring Minds” programme is our longest running and most well-known service, where adults from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences choose their own pathway through our menu of creative options for up to 12 months. They may choose woodwork, pottery, horticulture, painting, textiles, music, photography…classes are designed to support mental health and wellbeing and are delivered by experienced tutors with support from our trained peer mentors and volunteers.
“When I first arrived at START I was a nervous wreck, very anxious and even struggling to get out of bed, let alone get to a class. Well look at me now! START has been absolutely crucial in me becoming better and managing my mental health. The classes are brilliant for learning new skills but also for a lovely social experience. I have made some lovely friends and feel blessed to have been welcomed by staff, volunteers and other service users. I would not trade this experience for anything else, 100% life changing, I can’t recommend it enough” – member quote
In recent years the costs for this service have risen significantly and we are always so grateful for support offered by the community, who often know first-hand how poor mental health impacts either themselves or people they care about. In the charity world, an “unrestricted” donation is one of the most valuable and helpful things to receive – it allows us to put the funds where they will make the greatest difference. The Independent Salford Beer Festival donation has therefore helped us keep our lights on, our buildings warm and meet the growing day-to-day costs of running our service - without which we would not be here for the people who rely on us.
Thank you for choosing to support us again this year, we would love to welcome any of you to our events open to the public - keep an eye on our social media or website for details! Or, if you or someone you know may benefit from our services, find out more about getting a referral from your health worker or GP at www.startinspiringminds.org.uk.”
“I don’t really know where I would be now if I hadn’t come here. It has given me a new outlook on my life. I have a long way to go yet but I am on the right track.” – member quote
(Now it’s Jim again!)
Sometimes, words just hit.
Thank you SO MUCH Hannah. (We’re looking likely this year - for the first time - to have people from START at some sessions at the event so you chat with them directly about the wonderful work that they do)
Come and join us in November. Meet friends old. Make friends new. Explore some of the finest beers you’ll get to try this year (almost ALL “first pours” in the Manchester area) and know that, while you’re doing that, you’re also doing good.
Tickets are still available for the Thursday & Saturday evening sessions. Here’s the link
Collaboration brews start next Monday! So Back SOON!
Be kind to one another.
Jim x