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Elizabeth Finn Trust
I, as you know, am reformed alcoholic. Also reformed
chain smoker. How.
A long time ago I was granted charity money by Elizabeth
Finn Trust. I proceeded to spend this mostly on drink and
cigarettes, as sadly most alcoholics tend to do Im afraid.
Then I started to feel guilty about taking charity money
and blowing it on drink and cigarettes.
It was probably this one shred of conscience that caused
me to eventually survive. Today I dont get money from Finns, but
mainly it is someone there supporting you when everyone
else has given up on you that is so crucial.
I probably would not be here today but for Finns, allied
to steely determination to return again to normality.
Yet many of you out there are reluctant to approach
charities like Finns for help. I know some of you are
more smart than I was, and know you would squander
charity money, but the squandering actually helps
you fully rehabilitate yourself, which is surely money well
spent in the long run, from their point of view.
One success in just such a minefield is probably welcome
as signs of progress in a sea of despair.
I know also it is difficult to accept that when people
give you money they assume that they can tell you what
to do. This will of course happen if you accept
free handouts from anyone, it is plain human
nature, and to certain extent involuntary through
the process of wishing you better. A friend
doesnt just give you money, he or she gives
you advice to help you become independent again.
Well, in your situation, just as I was, you need all the help
you can get, so why not call them up. You can always
quit if you dont like the idea. It often seems too good now to be true
people will give you money when you are at your lowest
ebb, when no one else has time left for you.
Practically too, if you really want to rise again,
there are big things to buy you simply cannot
afford and cannot get credit to buy. Like
washing machines, cookers, microwaves, freezers,
and food. They supply all these free.
I write to help others survive as I have, for I am living
proof it is possible to get back to your best.
I owe Finns a debt of gratitude, so being a computer
wizard I pass on this letter to YOU.
I am sure you know I have been there, by instinct you know I
wouldnt know what its like in the previous wording.
I am not some wet behind the ears youngster just
out of University or training course trying to tell
you how to run your life, and what to do,
Lord knows I have enough of them telling me.
I am 53 and hardened by a tough life which I have
only just survived until now. I was one of you, and
if you truly want to get better, Finns is as good place as
any to start, and better than most.
I am fiercely independent, to the point of probably
being a bit too sharp fighting my corner, but even
I had to admit I needed help way back when I was
practically dead and gone. I had pancreatitis nine
times, hit three weeks on medical intensive, and survived.
But I needed help, and hospitals dont have a massive
follow up plan for habitual alcoholics, they are just
glad to see the back of you until the next time.
Finns help you when no one else does, you just have to
face up to the fact you actually need help to survive,
or a month or year from now you will die for
having clung to independence against all advice.
One email or phone call can set you on their
way to practical aid and reassurance at critical times,
why not do it now.
Malcolm Pugh July 25th 2005.
Over 100 years ago Elizabeth Finn founded the DGAA. Renamed in 2000 to do her honour, the Elizabeth Finn
Trust assists some 1,900 people each year who can no longer earn a living due to physical or mental problems,
loss of work and family breakdown or those struggling on low income during retirement.
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