Giving Back
Who we’re supporting and why it’s important to all of us
We are delighted to be talking to Maytree about how we can support them financially and creatively over the coming year. To support them and all their wonderful volunteers in continuing their incredible and vital work.
“At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished. It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.”
– Denzel Washington
Maytree is a unique place bringing support and hope to people struggling with a reason to go on living. Some of the most beautiful, creative souls struggle with suicidal thoughts and ideation. My own partner Tom not only struggled with these thoughts but acted on them. His loss has sent waves across so many lives in a way I wonder if he would ever really have believed. Three years on I, many of us at 4D and so many who loved him, live with the impact of his sudden and brutal death. While Tom brought us so much in the time he was here I’d be lying if I didn’t say I wish he could have been with us longer. He is deeply missed and all of us at 4D are committed to doing whatever we can to prevent other tragic losses by suicide and the painful ripple of hurt of loved ones left behind.
About Maytree
The Maytree Suicide Respite Centre is the only place of its kind in the UK and fills a gap in services, between the medical support of the NHS and the helplines and drop-in centres of the voluntary sector. Maytree offers a free 4-night/5-day stay, and the opportunity to be befriended and heard in complete confidence, without judgement and with compassion and warmth. Maytree’s mission is to:
- Support people through a suicidal crisis
- Provide a safe place and a chance to rest, reflect and be heard without judgment
- To reduce the risk of suicide
- To help guests consider their options and develop their resilience
The 4D Founders
Tom Bruno-Magdich and Philippa Waller
Philippa: “Tom and I were in partnership. In a relationship. And very much in love. When we met we had both been actors and shared an interest in theatre, writing, musicals, storytelling, the art of communicating and presenting, human psychology, neuroscience, sociology, integral theory, personal potential, consciousness, the cosmos and the meaning of life! We loved the big questions and spent hours and days talking big and talking deep. We co-created and set up 4D Human Being nearly a decade ago to share our passions by helping individuals communicate with insight, intention and impact. The very roots of 4D is full of his and my creativity, passion and love. Like many deep, complex and incredible thinkers Tom’s personal search for self-understanding and meaning could take him to the edge of his own struggles. And in 2016 he took his own life. As I, and those who loved him, struggle our own way through his loss we, and so many he worked with along the way, also appreciate the deeply impactful, often life-changing insights he brought us. A legacy that we at 4D are proud to continue sharing today. Thank you Tom. Love always x”
Useful Resources
For key events in suicide prevention please click here
If you’re struggling…
The Samaritans are amazing. They are there for you if you are having suicidal thoughts. And they are there for you if you have lost someone. I can vouch personally for how brilliant they are. There, listening, calm and reassuring. Remember they’re there.
Let’s talk about death.
Talking about death can help those struggling with their own lives as well as those of us who have lost loved ones. Keeping quiet only makes it worse. To find out more visit Death Cafe.
Lost someone to suicide?
SOBs is a self-help organisation which aims to provide a safe, confidential environment in which bereaved people can share their experiences and feelings, in order to give and gain support from each other.
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