How Clear Minds aids pool star
YORK-BORN pool star Donna Smith has previously opened up on the support she has received in managing her PTSD, so when she was given the the opportunity to be sponsored by a charity which supports people who need longer term therapeutic support, called Clear Minds, she made it her mission to help raise the profile of the charity.
Smith was born in York and currently resides in North Yorkshire, but as her mother was born in Scotland she qualifies to represent Scotland in pool on the international level.
She has formerly spoken about her achievements in the sport, which included sensationally winning the Scottish Open in 2023 and 2024.
Smith has spoken bravely of her post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition that develops after experiencing a traumatic event, and how playing pool has been a vital part in her recovery.
Smith needed sponsorship to compete in this year’s European Championships and the Ladies Scotland tour.
Gayle-Anne Drury, a trustee for Clear Minds, sat down with the Press and explained how they work.
“It can be very difficult to access consistent long term therapy,” Drury explained.
“Some people with deep trauma are only able to access repeated rounds of shorter term therapy, which raises a number of problems.
“Others can access longer-term therapy within the NHS but those services are under great pressure, So accessing longer-term trauma therapy privately may be the only option, but funding this is beyond the reach of
many.
“It’s very simple what we do. Using the processes of reputable therapy awarding bodies we accept competent, experienced, accredited therapists onto our books
“The therapist can then apply to Clear Minds for funding for clients who fit our criteria of having had major trauma and requiring longer term therapy with one therapist.
“We offer funding for blocks of 20 sessions at a time, until the therapist and client bring the work to a close.
“We started offering support at the beginning of 2021 and at the moment we have 17 therapists working with us, supporting 31 individuals.
“We have funded around 1400 hours of therapy.
“As far as we are aware no other charity is set up only to provide the amount of sessions a person needs, no matter how long that may take.
“Our administrative costs are covered by Clear Financial Advice, which means every penny we get goes directly to funding people working to improve their lives.
“We need funds more than ever and would welcome any donations, no matter how small.” You can find out more about Clear Minds at https://clear-minds.co.uk/.
She was given sponsorship by Clear Minds, a charity that helps lift the financial strain of affording longterm counselling and Clear Financial Advice, a financial advice firm who cover all the administrative costs of Clear Minds.
With this support Smith was able to compete and had a successful campaign, finishing runner-up in both the Ladies Scottish Singles and Tour Event Five.
Smith said: “The sponsorship made my pool goals achievable this year, without their support I wouldn’t have been able to compete.
“Also, the ethos of Clear Minds is close to my heart, and I wanted to try and raise their profile.
“I know from experience that long term therapy is expensive and not possible for most, and this is where Clear Minds mission to make long term therapy accessible to more people by lifting the financial burden really resonates with me.’’
Smith has continued to progress in her pool career, going close to adding to her extensive list of accolades with recent competitions.
She added: “I have recently had a run out with A team at the European championships, but we just missed out on a semi-final spot.
“In the Singles Event, I reached the last 64, which is also the furthest I’ve gotten so far.
“It’s what I wanted to achieve, so I’m very proud of that.
“The season has now finished, but I’m looking forward to competing in some new tournaments next year.’’
