Bearded Fishermen Charity

What do people say about us?

Caldero Lounge

This year at Caldero we held our first lounge aid in which we raised money for our chosen charity The Bearded Fisherman. We chose this charity to help support their continued hard work and their endless goal to help people in some of their most vulnerable times. Myself, along with some other members of my team joined the bearded fisherman on their street watch walk in order to experience some of the amazing work that they do. From this experience we witnessed first hand, the kind conversations, willingness to listen to strangers and their compassion and concern for other peoples well being. One thing that stood out to me the most was how connected each volunteer is to this cause. Each person has a connection to mental health and a drive to help anyone struggling with theirs. As we all know mental health is something that often is not spoke about and can lead to a rise in the amount of people sadly ending their lives as a way out. The bearded fisherman have acknowledged how hard it is for people to speak about these things and are providing several avenues for people to receive the help they may need, this subsequently leads to preventing more suicides.

During our lounge aid we held several charity fund raising events including a bake sale, jelly bean counts, a raffle, crafts morning, a quiz night and volunteered our free time to raise money. During this time we have been amazed at the outreach we have had and the amount of people who have spoken to us about their experience with the charity. We have heard stories from people who have contacted them when they were in a vulnerable state and have commented that the Bearded Fisherman treated them like a person who mattered to them, A woman who felt she was at a loose end found comfort in speaking to a stranger on the phone and another woman who was suffering with her mental health and said that the charity helped her feel normal and she was now in a much better place. Several people commented that they thoroughly enjoyed listening to the radio channel and one lady even mentioned that she found comfort in just hearing some local and familiar voices whilst she was alone at home. Others were unsure what the charity was about and we were able to inform them of the services the charity provide and as a result those people are now able to tell others. It’s hearing all of these stories from real people that warms my heart and makes me proud to have been a part of spreading awareness. We have thoroughly enjoyed raising money for the Bearded Fisherman and after getting involved several of us are now looking into volunteering on a more regular basis. Keep up the fantastic work!

Cheryl - Caldero Lounge

Nursing Student - Leeds

I am currently a second year student adult nurse. During my time as a student, we are required to complete an enrichment placement each year, in order to achieve our alternate fields (i.e. mental health, learning disabilities, children and young people.)

After asking for ideas of where to go, I had come across the Bearded Fishermen Mental Health Charity. I enquired with the chairman, and was told that I could complete my hours with the charity. I had previous experience with mental health, but my knowledge was still limited.

During my time with the charity, I was able to complete several online learning packages to enhance my knowledge, and due to having such wonderful volunteers, was able to complete these without worries.

The knowledge from the volunteers regarding mental health is admirable. Not only do they benefit the public to ensure people’s mental health is looked after, they also look after each other. I, for one, had found this out personally. Despite being a student nurse, there were occasions when my own mental health would deteriorate due to stresses and pressure of the course. I was thankful for knowing that any volunteer at the Bearded Fishermen would be more than happy to talk to me regarding anything.

They are always available to pick the phone up, no matter how minor it may seem, they will always support anyone who needs help. In addition to this, with it being a charity, they use their own time to come in and offer support. I’ve always been made to feel welcome, and I have an opportunity to come back for my second year of nursing to complete more enrichment hours.

Every volunteer at the bearded fishermen is phenomenal. They all have a very caring personality when it’s needed, and they always give 100%. I could not have asked for a better enrichment placement, and a more supportive group, who have supported me, and helped keep me going, in order to complete my degree.

They are all amazing and sometimes don’t understand just how much they can truly help to change and save lives. I feel privileged to have worked with them, and will continue to work with them to ensure the public's mental health remains a priority.