My son-in-law suffered a breakdown due to sexual abuse and needs your support
A Bispham family has launched a fundraising appeal to support a local man receiving ongoing mental health treatment following a severe breakdown, while also facing increasing financial pressure at home.
A Bispham family is appealing for public support after launching a GoFundMe campaign to help a local man as he continues treatment for severe mental health conditions.
Joe McGivern, from Bispham, has been receiving ongoing specialist care following a severe mental health breakdown in recent years, which his family say is linked to unresolved trauma from childhood.
He is currently under the care of mental health services, including support for complex post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis, depression and severe anxiety.
His father-in-law, Les, said Joe and his partner Sam had been living a stable working life until around three years ago, when Joe’s condition deteriorated significantly, leading to a period of crisis that has required intensive medical support and ongoing appointments with psychiatrists and community mental health teams.
The family say the situation has had a profound emotional and practical impact on their daily lives with Sam providing full-time support while also seeking counselling to help cope with the strain.
Alongside the personal challenges, the household has faced growing financial difficulties due to Joe being unable to work, resulting in arrears on mortgage payments and pressure from rising living costs.
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The fundraising appeal aims to help cover essential expenses including household bills, travel to medical appointments and day-to-day living costs, allowing the family to focus on recovery.
Les, Joe Mcgiverns Father in law, said: “Until three years ago, Joe & my daughter Sam were living a happy, hardworking,and I dependant life together.
“Everything changed when Joe suffered a severe mental breakdown caused by traumatic memories of prolonged sexual abuse, rape he endured as a very young child till he was 10 years old. For many years , Joe had managed to block out the abuse, but eventually the trauma became overwhelming.
“Joe is currently under the early intervention for psychosis and continues to receive intensive support. The strain has also affected them financially. Because of Joe's illness and inability to work they have fallen behind on their mortgage payments & are facing growing financial pressure.”
Supporters are being asked to donate if they are able, or to share the campaign to help reach a wider audience.
Les said any contribution, no matter how small, would make a meaningful difference during what he described as an extremely difficult period for the family.