Help Mimi find a home & healing
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Mimi.
I'm an independent, neurodivergent artist, writer and creative with complex health needs. I have many passions, including stories, poetry, queer and counterculture, nature, music, mysticism and philosophy. My unique journeys in life have cultivated a strong sense of justice, compassion, curiosity, and openness to diverse experiences, and an interest in exploring divergent and Othered narratives and figures. I believe in the power of creativity to connect, transform and heal, and Art as a way of life. In the words of an old Art mentor, Bob & Roberta Smith: 'Art Makes People Powerful.'
I moved to London in 2012 to study and work and it has since become my only home. I have lifelong creative dreams I'm determined to turn into a material reality, but my health difficulties, including Anorexia, CPTSD, FND, Bipolar and AUDHD, combined with challenges such as bouts of homelessness, hospitalisation, and adversities such as abusive relationships, have meant that focussing on my creative career has been frustrated. I've undertaken degrees in English Literature at Goldsmiths University and Fine Art at London Metropolitan University, but have not yet been able to synthesise these passions in a way that can truly define me as an artist, or that can supplement my income.
I'm determined to break this cycle of chronic illness and struggle, to realise my identity and existence as an artist. But now, given crises in health and housing, I'm facing the terrifying prospect of losing everything I've fought against the odds to maintain. I urgently need financial help to secure a new home, in the hope that there I can continue healing and helping others in the process.
About the problem
In June the tenancy agreement for the private rental I've maintained 7 years will expire. The disability benefits I'm dependent upon are insufficient to cover my extortionate current rent let alone anything to live on besides and maxing out on debt has become untenable, meaning I cannot afford my landlord's latest increase, nor a fund a deposit to move elsewhere. About the problem: In June the tenancy agreement for the private rental I've maintained 7 years will expire.
My location here is crucial so that I can continue to access services such as specialist eating disorder treatment - while treatment options under the NHS are grossly limited for 'severe and enduring' cases with additional complex needs, routine clinical monitoring from specialist services in North London remains a physical necessity. Coming from a complex family in which there are a variety of special needs, as well as issues that have made me estranged from some members to safeguard my wellbeing, means I have nowhere to go in an emergency situation as this. My mum is my sole support but lives a hundred miles away, sharing a bedroom with my brother, and as a carer herself has no means of supporting me beyond phone calls and occasional visits to help me attend medical appointments. Moving in with her is not an option, nor does she have financial means to assist me. I have exhausted my own funds, and being too unwell to find work leaves me no option than to appeal to my community.
Despite being on the housing register for years, the council's incompetence has proved devastating, and their instruction for me to essentially join one of the 8 Londoners who become homeless every minute - amongst the 2000 in Islington - is unconscionable. The substantial medical evidence I've submitted has been entirely overlooked, so chances for emergency rehousing through the system are negligible. Assurance that I could end up in a shelter or temporary accommodation is no reassurance at all - having been in hostels when I was made homeless after leaving my abusive ex partner in the 2010s I know the conditions of these places and how even more critically ill and damaged I became in them.
Recently, an escalation of my seizures triggered a more acute flare-up of symptoms associated with Functional Neurological Disorder and left me unable to walk. These acute mobility issues have left me trapped and isolated in my third floor flat, taking a worsening toll on my mental and physical health. I've been awaiting 'urgent' treatment for Functional Neurological Disorder at University College London Hospital since my stroke scare last October and the seizures I've been suffering for 11 years - so to finally hear from neuropsychiatry at that assessment could take another 6 months has been demoralising to say the least.
How you can help
I have just weeks to raise funds towards finding a flat that can support my needs - total costs for a deposit, first month's rent, etc. are around £3000+. London is an expensive and stressful place to live and work in, but the opportunities for creativity and connection embodied by this culturally diverse city makes it not only my home but a constant source of inspiration for me. Weekends spent caring for, entertaining and exploring the city with my best friend and brother Rowan, who has Down's Syndrome and Autism, make up some of my most cherished memories of my time here. I want to continue to host future adventures with him, as my biggest cheerleader and inspiration.
I've suffered enough traumas for one life and want to be able to live to process and alchemise them in ways that empower, challenge and inspire. My many monoprints, inspired by the likes of Tracey Emin, as well as oil painted portraits, a wealth of drawings, and works in poetry and prose, are yet to go far beyond my personal sketchbooks or occasional instagram posts. I dream of exhibiting, collaborating with other creatives and writing a genre-bending book about my experiences but adversities have continually set me back.
I'm a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, and was later groomed as an 18 year old by someone twice my age, ensuing a three year long relationship in which I was severely abused in every way. These events compounded my Anorexia, complex PTSD and subsequent issues, taking my life further off course. It has taken me years of building endurance, resilience and courage to recover what stability and independence I've been able to reclaim and sustain. While I'm proud of how far I've come without much in the way of adequate help over the years, it has been exhausting to be merely surviving on a maxed out overdraft. Having the mental and physical space to produce and publish art, while socially isolated and lacking crucial funds to have my work printed to sell, has meant my ambitions remain frustrated.
What I am going to do to boost funds
It is critical for me to have the chance to make a fresh start, and not endure the further horror of reexperiencing homelessness - losing my art, my books, most importantly, my rescue cats, Ziggy and Marley, who have been lifesaving companions for me (a fate that, frankly, I could not survive).
Once this urgent need for secure accommodation is resolved, should there be surplus funds raised, I'd carefully consider how to best endorse my recovery and success moving forward.
Primarily, I'd focus on my health, exploring alternatives, funding assessments and therapies. Better health would empower me in my ambitions for independence, creativity and self sufficiency. Ideally I'd also be able to afford upfront costs such as having artwork professionally printed, so I can gain momentum selling and showing my Art.
I've never been in a position to afford private help, nor been able to receive any specialist treatment through the NHS for the complex trauma that underlies my conditions, so accessing trauma therapy could prove imperative to my recovery overall. The NHS treatment available for SEED (severe and enduring eating disorder) is also grossly limited - with many doomed to institutionalisation, withdrawal of treatment or even deferral to palliative care. I believe that no one is beyond saving, so it would be empowering for me to be in a financial position to consider alternatives for more holistic healing. Funding assessments for autism and ADHD would also benefit me, while life on another waiting list (which could take years) proves an increasing challenge day to day.
The two residential stays I've been lucky to have in a women's refuge - a project whose holistic treatment model is trauma informed, with ethics rooted in respect, inclusivity, dignity and empowerment - have been a testament to the transformative power of proper care in a nurturing environment. In an ideal world, accessing alternative approaches to care or private therapy, while costly, would be life-changing.
So many fellow sufferers and friends I know have died of eating disorders, many others I've known to be so full of potential been made victim to institutional harm and neglect. All I want is to leave the world a more compassionate place for those disadvantaged by our ableist social structures, through the power of art, poetry and expression - as trite or utopian as it might sound - I want to show others that a better life is possible.
But for now, my drive to create and keep going in the community that has seen me through depends on me having a home.
Please help me with the immediate need of a safe and secure home, and if possible to facilitate my further healing and creative endeavours. Any amount you can give is appreciated, even just a few pounds.
Alongside crowdfunding, I aim to boost any extra funds through creative enterprise - eventually reconstructing my artist website and exploring online spaces for sharing and documenting work, such as a blog or Patreon scheme. This depends on me finding the mental headspace, and also improving my digital/technological skills to make it possible. When I do have other places/platforms through which you can support me, I will list them here.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and know that every ounce of support I receive makes a difference. Please share if you would like to, and stay connected for updates!
I'm an independent, neurodivergent artist, writer and creative with complex health needs. I have many passions, including stories, poetry, queer and counterculture, nature, music, mysticism and philosophy. My unique journeys in life have cultivated a strong sense of justice, compassion, curiosity, and openness to diverse experiences, and an interest in exploring divergent and Othered narratives and figures. I believe in the power of creativity to connect, transform and heal, and Art as a way of life. In the words of an old Art mentor, Bob & Roberta Smith: 'Art Makes People Powerful.'
I moved to London in 2012 to study and work and it has since become my only home. I have lifelong creative dreams I'm determined to turn into a material reality, but my health difficulties, including Anorexia, CPTSD, FND, Bipolar and AUDHD, combined with challenges such as bouts of homelessness, hospitalisation, and adversities such as abusive relationships, have meant that focussing on my creative career has been frustrated. I've undertaken degrees in English Literature at Goldsmiths University and Fine Art at London Metropolitan University, but have not yet been able to synthesise these passions in a way that can truly define me as an artist, or that can supplement my income.
I'm determined to break this cycle of chronic illness and struggle, to realise my identity and existence as an artist. But now, given crises in health and housing, I'm facing the terrifying prospect of losing everything I've fought against the odds to maintain. I urgently need financial help to secure a new home, in the hope that there I can continue healing and helping others in the process.
About the problem
In June the tenancy agreement for the private rental I've maintained 7 years will expire. The disability benefits I'm dependent upon are insufficient to cover my extortionate current rent let alone anything to live on besides and maxing out on debt has become untenable, meaning I cannot afford my landlord's latest increase, nor a fund a deposit to move elsewhere. About the problem: In June the tenancy agreement for the private rental I've maintained 7 years will expire.
My location here is crucial so that I can continue to access services such as specialist eating disorder treatment - while treatment options under the NHS are grossly limited for 'severe and enduring' cases with additional complex needs, routine clinical monitoring from specialist services in North London remains a physical necessity. Coming from a complex family in which there are a variety of special needs, as well as issues that have made me estranged from some members to safeguard my wellbeing, means I have nowhere to go in an emergency situation as this. My mum is my sole support but lives a hundred miles away, sharing a bedroom with my brother, and as a carer herself has no means of supporting me beyond phone calls and occasional visits to help me attend medical appointments. Moving in with her is not an option, nor does she have financial means to assist me. I have exhausted my own funds, and being too unwell to find work leaves me no option than to appeal to my community.
Despite being on the housing register for years, the council's incompetence has proved devastating, and their instruction for me to essentially join one of the 8 Londoners who become homeless every minute - amongst the 2000 in Islington - is unconscionable. The substantial medical evidence I've submitted has been entirely overlooked, so chances for emergency rehousing through the system are negligible. Assurance that I could end up in a shelter or temporary accommodation is no reassurance at all - having been in hostels when I was made homeless after leaving my abusive ex partner in the 2010s I know the conditions of these places and how even more critically ill and damaged I became in them.
Recently, an escalation of my seizures triggered a more acute flare-up of symptoms associated with Functional Neurological Disorder and left me unable to walk. These acute mobility issues have left me trapped and isolated in my third floor flat, taking a worsening toll on my mental and physical health. I've been awaiting 'urgent' treatment for Functional Neurological Disorder at University College London Hospital since my stroke scare last October and the seizures I've been suffering for 11 years - so to finally hear from neuropsychiatry at that assessment could take another 6 months has been demoralising to say the least.
How you can help
I have just weeks to raise funds towards finding a flat that can support my needs - total costs for a deposit, first month's rent, etc. are around £3000+. London is an expensive and stressful place to live and work in, but the opportunities for creativity and connection embodied by this culturally diverse city makes it not only my home but a constant source of inspiration for me. Weekends spent caring for, entertaining and exploring the city with my best friend and brother Rowan, who has Down's Syndrome and Autism, make up some of my most cherished memories of my time here. I want to continue to host future adventures with him, as my biggest cheerleader and inspiration.
I've suffered enough traumas for one life and want to be able to live to process and alchemise them in ways that empower, challenge and inspire. My many monoprints, inspired by the likes of Tracey Emin, as well as oil painted portraits, a wealth of drawings, and works in poetry and prose, are yet to go far beyond my personal sketchbooks or occasional instagram posts. I dream of exhibiting, collaborating with other creatives and writing a genre-bending book about my experiences but adversities have continually set me back.
I'm a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, and was later groomed as an 18 year old by someone twice my age, ensuing a three year long relationship in which I was severely abused in every way. These events compounded my Anorexia, complex PTSD and subsequent issues, taking my life further off course. It has taken me years of building endurance, resilience and courage to recover what stability and independence I've been able to reclaim and sustain. While I'm proud of how far I've come without much in the way of adequate help over the years, it has been exhausting to be merely surviving on a maxed out overdraft. Having the mental and physical space to produce and publish art, while socially isolated and lacking crucial funds to have my work printed to sell, has meant my ambitions remain frustrated.
What I am going to do to boost funds
It is critical for me to have the chance to make a fresh start, and not endure the further horror of reexperiencing homelessness - losing my art, my books, most importantly, my rescue cats, Ziggy and Marley, who have been lifesaving companions for me (a fate that, frankly, I could not survive).
Once this urgent need for secure accommodation is resolved, should there be surplus funds raised, I'd carefully consider how to best endorse my recovery and success moving forward.
Primarily, I'd focus on my health, exploring alternatives, funding assessments and therapies. Better health would empower me in my ambitions for independence, creativity and self sufficiency. Ideally I'd also be able to afford upfront costs such as having artwork professionally printed, so I can gain momentum selling and showing my Art.
I've never been in a position to afford private help, nor been able to receive any specialist treatment through the NHS for the complex trauma that underlies my conditions, so accessing trauma therapy could prove imperative to my recovery overall. The NHS treatment available for SEED (severe and enduring eating disorder) is also grossly limited - with many doomed to institutionalisation, withdrawal of treatment or even deferral to palliative care. I believe that no one is beyond saving, so it would be empowering for me to be in a financial position to consider alternatives for more holistic healing. Funding assessments for autism and ADHD would also benefit me, while life on another waiting list (which could take years) proves an increasing challenge day to day.
The two residential stays I've been lucky to have in a women's refuge - a project whose holistic treatment model is trauma informed, with ethics rooted in respect, inclusivity, dignity and empowerment - have been a testament to the transformative power of proper care in a nurturing environment. In an ideal world, accessing alternative approaches to care or private therapy, while costly, would be life-changing.
So many fellow sufferers and friends I know have died of eating disorders, many others I've known to be so full of potential been made victim to institutional harm and neglect. All I want is to leave the world a more compassionate place for those disadvantaged by our ableist social structures, through the power of art, poetry and expression - as trite or utopian as it might sound - I want to show others that a better life is possible.
But for now, my drive to create and keep going in the community that has seen me through depends on me having a home.
Please help me with the immediate need of a safe and secure home, and if possible to facilitate my further healing and creative endeavours. Any amount you can give is appreciated, even just a few pounds.
Alongside crowdfunding, I aim to boost any extra funds through creative enterprise - eventually reconstructing my artist website and exploring online spaces for sharing and documenting work, such as a blog or Patreon scheme. This depends on me finding the mental headspace, and also improving my digital/technological skills to make it possible. When I do have other places/platforms through which you can support me, I will list them here.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and know that every ounce of support I receive makes a difference. Please share if you would like to, and stay connected for updates!
Organizer
Mimi Grace Beauvoir
Organizer