Testimonials

Kelly Soul:

"Lucies Mental Health Galas have always been a special event as it’s always informative yet very personal and the love in the room is something everyone feels. It shows us that we aren't on our own and its ok not to be ok. We have heard stories from families that unfortunately have lost someone and people that have attempted, and them talking about it has helped me understand and watch out even more for my family, friends and myself.
It's helped me understand people around me that suffer from their mental health. It has helped me open up to talking to people on a daily basis on an online social app, and I have many conversations with male and females who talk about mental health. We get to hear from people from all walks of life who share their experiences from around the world.
Lucies Mental Health Galas touches anyone and everyone that attends - from the speakers to the people that come to support and even the staff working the event. It is that powerful and relatable as every single one of us know someone that has mental health or suffers with it.
It's OK not to be OK."

Kareena-Sue Nanakeke:

"My husband and I attended the Salisbury Mental Health Gala for the first time in November 2024. After spending years battling with my own mental health, struggling to navigate the system and get the support I needed, when I saw this advertised, I was intrigued. For those who suffer, it can be an incredibly lonely time even when surrounded by loved ones, but to see the community brought together that evening had me utterly mind blown!

I'd struggle to explain my frustration and battles to my husband who has supported me every step of the way and he was shocked to hear so many stories like my own told at the Gala. I think it really did open our eyes to the all too common struggles lived by many like myself just trying to get help.

From the moment I enquired, I knew there was something special about Lucianne and her husband Antony and their team. I reached out to her as I was incredibly anxious about attending and being in a room full of people I didn't know. She instantly put me at ease and even offered to loan me a dress as I was getting so worked up about what to wear. To extend such support to a complete stranger speaks volumes of her dedication to the cause! Upon arrival, we were greeted by Lucianne and Antony, and the evening hand on heart for me was incredibly empowering. I laughed, I cried and everything in-between. I was moved by all the brave people there telling their story, raising awareness and for all the others to genuinely be behind them, cheering them on rooting for them. The people we sat with were not only hilarious but so genuine and made it such an enjoyable evening.

I can't thank the team enough for helping many like me who struggle to voice their troubles, bring a supportive community together and bring hope to those who feel lost. Since the Gala, the Salisbury Mental Health team have helped me sign up to learn about bee keeping, this is something I've wanted to do for years but never could afford to do at home. I now get to attend a local place and learn the skills and I am truly grateful for this opportunity. I can't express my gratitude to the team enough for all they've done for me in this short time and I'm excited for what the future holds in the way of mental wellbeing for me. Thank you so very much."

Ray & Ann Scott:

"18th September 2018 our lives changed forever.
Our darling son Lee died by suicide..
The heartbreak and shock is something as a family we will never get over or understand.
The firsts are something everyone dreads - birthdays, Christmas and any special days.
The first MH Gala filled us with the same dread.
After attending we realised the amount of dedication and empathy that Lucianne puts into the Galas and does exactly what she set out to do since 2019.
That was to raise awareness of suicide and MH and for one very special night put our Sons/Daughters names up in lights.

So Thank you Lucianne from the bottom of our hearts."