Help Janet Rebuild After a Mental Health Crisis

Aim

Janet Smith survived a mental health crisis. A fire destroyed her home—let’s help her create a safe, warm place again.

Janet's Story

Hello, my name is Janet Smith

I never imagined I would be asking for help like this, but after the hardest year of my life, I truly need it.

Last year, my mental health reached breaking point. I felt overwhelmed, exhausted, and completely lost. In a moment of deep despair — one I will always regret — I had been drinking, started a fire in my living room, and walked away from my home.

Within minutes, thick black smoke filled the house. I stumbled outside into the rain, barely able to breathe or see. Neighbours spotted me, raised the alarm, and called the fire brigade. Firefighters, paramedics, and complete strangers saved my life that night.

I woke up in hospital frightened and confused, in resuscitation and attached to drips. For my own safety, I was sectioned and spent months receiving treatment. Last month, I was finally discharged. I am now fully committed to my recovery, with ongoing professional support.

I survived — but my home did not.

The fire destroyed the entire downstairs of my house. All the furniture is gone. Windows are broken or boarded up. The walls are bare brick. The boiler no longer works. The house is cold, unsafe, and not properly liveable — and I have very little left to rebuild my life with.

I’m not proud of what happened. But I am incredibly grateful to still be here. I want to move forward. I want a safe, warm, stable home where I can continue healing and rebuilding my life with dignity.

That’s why I’m asking for your help — urgently.

How Your Donation Will Help

Every donation will go directly towards making my home safe and liveable again:

• Urgent repairs — replacing broken windows, fixing the heating and boiler, basic plastering and flooring

• Essential furniture and household items — a sofa, basic furniture, and kitchen essentials

• Safety and security improvements — so my home can truly feel safe

This isn’t about comfort or luxury. It’s about warmth, safety, and stability during recovery.

Please Help Me Start Again

No donation is too small. Your kindness will help turn an empty, damaged house back into a home — and give me the foundation I desperately need to keep moving forward.

If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this page. Time really matters, and spreading the word helps more than you know.

Thank you for reading my story. Thank you for your compassion. I’m holding onto hope for brighter days ahead. ❤️

This project successfully funded on 2nd March 2026