My name is Martin.

For 20 years I worked in social care, looking after people with serious long term mental illness. I was a deputy manager in a project for people suffering from schizophrenia, who were leaving secure wards after an extended period as an in-patient.

I was very committed to my work, which involved long days and unsocial hours. The work was difficult as we helped prepare our clients to start new lives in the community in flats of their own. It hugely rewarding but very demanding.

But with my job came a great deal of stress and, sometimes, personal risk. After a while the stress at work and stress at home combined to cause me to have a mental breakdown of my own. I became deeply depressed and made plans to end my life.

Somehow, in a moment of clarity, I realised I was getting ready to self destruct and I got help but I was unable to work.

Sadly, after 20 years of service, I lost my job. My mental fragility meant I could no longer work as frontline staff. My mental state became worse. If not for the care of my wife I would've been hospitalised.

Our home needs some work and, since I lost my job, we can no longer afford a contractor. Sadly the work is way beyond my capabilities.

We need help to make our home nice again.

Can you help me?