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The Heera Foundation
The Heera Foundation aims to narrow the gap between mental health and mindfulness provision and its accessibility. We believe in the importance of the well being of one’s mind and that nothing can dim the light that shines within. Every parent has a heera (diamond) that deserves to prosper in life. Let’s help develop resilience and encourage strength in the face of fear or pain creating a positive, buoyant and ever-evolving mindset with our future generations. We need to accept that it is courageous to admit that one can find themselves feeling vulnerable due to the pressures of expectation and everyday life; it is also acceptable for one to seek support in order to rebuild, rejuvenate and strengthen one’s mind.
How does your organisation contribute to preventing suicide and supporting those affected by it?
The Heera Foundation has been networking with existing organisations which support and guide communities and individuals on mental health issues. We have liaised with Papyrus- ‘Prevention of Yong Suicide’, Maytree-a sanctuary for the suicidal and MIND in Birmingham and other organisations to deepen our own knowledge and insight into what support is available when one is suffering. As part of this journey, we have created a mental health support card with these key contacts, telephone numbers and websites for anyone to access at any point where they may feel vulnerable. The aim of our card is to enable you to talk to someone. We need to talk openly about mental health and remove all stigma within our communities. It is good to seek help and guidance in a time of darkness and The Heera Foundation wants to show you that ray of hope. Please help us share The Heera Foundation Support Card via Facebook etc Thank you. We will also be distributing our card with the help of Midland Langar Seva Society and the Jet Singh Trust, who are kindly supporting our cause.
What are your current priorities?
More suicide prevention action, advice and support days planned
The Heera Foundation was invited to the the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Smethwick on Sunday 25th February 2018 to attend a presentation on the prevention of suicide as well as to promote the work that The Heera Foundation is embarking on. We were given the opportunity to raise awareness of mental health and mindfulness within the heart of our community and able to talk and listen to the sangat. The day was phenomenal and involved presentations from Gurj Toor, Amos Dhami and Papyrus. They shared their personal experiences which were heartfelt by all and had the chance to deepen the knowledge of each sangat member regarding the support existent for those who are most vulnerable.The day itself was overwhelming and positively received by all. Talking to the Sangat members was extremely touching- so many moving and devastating experiences were shared on the topic of suicide.The Heera Foundation looks forward to working in partnership with the Guru Nanak Gurdwara and Gurj Toor in order to support families and individuals within our community. Together we can have an impact. Building on the success of our first event day we are aiming to plan more suicide prevention and support days within the community throughout the rest of the year.
The Heera Foundation Fundraising
We are holding fundraising events throughout the summer including Spartan races and Heera Foundation stalls at community events.
What challenges are you currently facing?
We have seen a shocking increase in tragedies resulting due to mental health issues; we need to remove the stigma of ‘besthi’ and shame associated with mental health within our community and raise awareness of what provision is accessible for families and those suffering alone. Mental health is an illness and every illness requires treatment. Why are we not fully aware of the steps that we should take and if aware, why are we not not tapping into the resources that are available to help? It’s time for a cultural change and time to make that difference to the lives of many. We believe that once you become fearless, life will become limitless.