Listen to a conversation between Oscar Humphries and Vicki Beere here: https://vimeo.com/410624209

Project 6 has has seen a huge increase in demand for their services as people begin to struggle with food poverty, mental health, substance use and housing and welfare.

Of the current COVID-19 crisis, the CEO of Project 6, Vicki Beere says ‘This is not just a health crisis, it’s a social crisis.’

It is the most vulnerable in our society who will feel the effects of this crisis most acutely, and will be feeling its impact long after life has returned to normality.

On a personal note, my own struggle with addiction and mental health issues has been a long one. Without sobriety, and the stability it brings, I would not have a job, a family, or somewhere to live. For the addict -  recovery is the bedrock on which everything else rests. I’m lucky to have the support I need today, but many don’t. I also believe you only keep what you have by giving it away.

I chose Project 6 because the people they’re working with in Yorkshire are often disconnected from their families, and without any help and hope. Their lifeline is Project 6 and the sobriety and support it offers them. All 51 team-members of Project 6 , from the CEO down, directly work with the community they serve, in a part of the UK where there are pockets of extreme deprivation. They help people in active addiction stay safe and fed, support vulnerable young people, they help people find sobriety, and keep that flame alive through outreach once it’s found.

Social distancing means - for this community - distance from help and from hope. Project 6 is working on a daily basis - with food, needle exchanges, outreach, & tablets to keep people connected - to protect and keep alive a community that, even before this crisis, fell though the cracks. Please join me in supporting the essential and urgently needed services they provide. Having got to know some of the team, and met some of the people they work with, I see them as a lifeboat in this storm.

Please support Project 6 to ensure their incredible staff are able to continue to provide essential services throughout the outbreak.

Thank you.