Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page in memory of my Mum, Susan Henderson. She passed away on the 4th of December just a month after her cancer diagnosis.

Penumbra is an organisation that has helped my Mum and countless others through struggles with mental health. Providing workshops, guidance, and general support - their services are invaluable. They create a tangible positive difference in Scotland. They fill a hole in mental health services which shouldn't exist - but nevertheless, the gap in support is there.

Although it was cancer that took my Mum, Penumbra played a huge role in making her life a fulfilled one in her final years.

In her own words, from a thank you letter I discovered:

Thank-you Penumbra

I've had problems with bipolar, anxiety & PTSD for 20 years. I’ve had to deal with numerous hospital admissions and been unable to go back to a good job that I had, previous to my diagnoses, managed to hold down.

A few years back, I was introduced to Penumbra. They offered me various groups, run by 1 or 2 staff members. Participation was actively encouraged, which was daunting at first because of my anxiety - and because I had more or less closed myself off from society as I felt like such a failure.

However, I learned a lot from the groups and met some really nice people with similar issues. Great for getting tips on coping strategies! Just before and during lockdown, I was offered telephone 1-to-1 support. The personal touch helped me with my journey immensely.

I was supported in making healthy changes to my diet, exercising, going for solitary nature walks, mindfulness, meditation, adding to my personal happiness/wellness box. I can now think more clearly and cope with daily life in a way I haven't managed for 20 years.

My message to readers: There is hope. You will find a way. Give yourself time.

- Susan Henderson, written in 2021, just a year before her passing.