British High Commission staff have donated over $3000 tala raised from a global mental health marathon to local facility Goshen Trust Inc. 

Acting British High Commissioner to Samoa, Ian Richards and his staff made the monetary donation to the Goshen Trust Chief Executive Officer Naomi Eshrangi, and the Tulaenu Board Chairman Nomanu Paulo. 

The financial donation by the diplomatic mission were proceeds from a global mental health marathon which all British missions around the world participated in to raise awareness on the issue as well as raise funds.

British Nationals living in Samoa, Goshen Trust staff and the B.H.C. Apia staff together with their families participated in the marathon. 

Together with the support of local businesses and kind donations from partners, friends and families of B.H.C. Apia staff presented Goshen Trust Samoa a $3,095 cheque that was raised from the initiative.

Ms Eshrangi, in response to an email query from the Samoa Observer, said they are grateful for the support received from the BHC which will assist with their operational costs.

“Goshen Trust  management are very grateful for the funds as it helps with operational costs and the awareness raised as well as support from BHC for Goshen,” she said.

“On behalf of the Goshen Trust Board and management, I would like to acknowledge B.H.C. for their generosity and support for their contribution towards raising awareness and continued support.

“Thank you to all the businesses, companies and organisations who supported this event and wish them well in all they do and God bless.”

Mr Richards said it has been a privilege to support the Goshen Trust with their work and emphasised that it is important that people continue to talk about mental health issues.

“Mental health issues affect us all, and it is really important that we talk about them and seek support when it is needed,” he said.

“It has therefore been a great privilege to support Goshen Trust in their essential work for the community of Samoa, and a great pleasure to be able to make a donation this morning, which I know will go to very good use.”

And while the organisation appreciates the financial support, their capacity issues remain an ongoing challenge.

“Recently we have been through changes of staffing due to lack of skills and experience,” she said.

However, Ms Eshrangi is confident that their capacity challenges will be resolved, now that the A.P.T.C. (Australia-Pacific Training Coalition) is offering new courses which would train people to work as mental health support staff or careers. 

Humanitarian organisation Salvation Army has also taken on some of Goshen Trust staff to undergo a two-year training programme, which she says will go a long way in addressing their challenges.