In December 2008, Pippa Hockton of Street Talk came to an FSI Drop In session. Pippa’s journey to help vulnerable women working and living on the streets of Kings Cross had been a frustrating one. Pippa had been told repeatedly, that trying to offer counselling, advice and help to prostitutes was of no use. These were a group of women that were beyond help. More driven than ever not to give up on these women she found herself chatting to the FSI team.

For Pippa it was the start of a relationship that would see her attending FSI Training courses and gaining confidence in fundraising.

Two months after attending the Trust & Foundation course Pippa wrote to us:

“I could not wait to get back to work, following the course and to make some applications for funds, using the expertise I had picked up on the day. That alone was a gift because I do find it difficult to keep up enthusiasm for applications.

I wrote two applications in the two weeks following the course. I have heard this week that both of them have been successful!

I put the success down to the boost to my confidence which the course provided, I left feeling entitled to ask for funding rather than guilty for asking. That was a huge mind shift for me. The second reason for the success was the clarity and the detail which the course provided. 

When I did those two most recent applications I felt I had the necessary skills, rather than muddling through in a fog of uncertainty. Now I’ve got a new problem! How to thank you enough!”

It cost the FSI donors £170 to train Pippa on this course. Her fundraising wins just two months later amounted to £75,000. That’s an uplift we are incredibly proud of. Well done Pippa for your perseverance and determination.