The Natasha Goulbourn Foundation was set up in memory of Natasha Goulbourn who suffered from depression.

Her love of life and compassion for others has inspired the creation of the foundation to share with the world the need for education and information on depression – what causes it, how to manage it and how to heal from it.

Let us remember depression can be treated and all we have to do is to seek the correct help.

My sister Natasha was a lover of animals - in particular dogs, cats and dolphins. She was a child of the beach and of the sea. We grew up frequenting our beach house with my parents - some of our fondest memories over the years were made there.

She always had a fascination for dolphins in particular, as they are such beautiful, gentle and healing creatures, intelligent and sensitive, much like Natasha was herself.

A couple of weeks after Natasha passed away, in the midst of our pain, our family decided to go back to the resort where we had been for our last weekend get-away with her, together as a family - a charming and peaceful place in an area in the Philippines known for its beaches and diving. On the return trip, we were a group of nine, including closest family and dearest friends, seeking answers to soothe our broken hearts and in much need of rest.

On the bangka (boat) ride heading home across the narrow channel, each of us were deep in our own thoughts, soothed by the sound of the boat's motor and the rhythm of the waves. My mother was praying, asking Natasha for some kind of sign from her that she was all right.

As if from nowhere, a large pod of dolphins appeared, so many were they that they could have numbered a hundred, jumping in and out of the waves, dancing and playing alongside the bangka for minutes that seemed to last forever. Even the boatboys had never seen such a sight of dolphins in such great multitude.

Some of the dolphins turned away and left us to chase the flying fish on one side of the boat, but two smaller groups stayed with us a fewmore minutes gliding along ahead of us, then with a synchronized final leap, as if to say good bye, they disappeared into the blue.

It was a magical moment in which we felt Natasha's strong presence with us.

Perhaps she was giving us hope and reassurance, a beginning towards healing.

And so the dolphin became our logo for the foundation, embodying this hope and this healing, in bringing depression to light.

LIGHT UP A LIFE

Join us as we LIGHT UP A LIFE this December 1, 2011 (Thursday) at 5:30 pm! at the ground floor of Greenbelt 3, in front of Topshop! This year, we are giving thanks for all the blessings we’ve received and giving back to all those we are still suffering in silence! NGF is holding its annual fund-raising event to improve our programs and services- particularly our outreach program for OFW children. During our pilot project at Bay, Laguna, a percentage of the children we provided workshops to were initially assessed to have mild forms of depression! By LIGHTING UP A LIFE this year, you are helping children live happier and healthier lives! Come and visit us, light up a life - from December 1 until January 8, 2012. We look forward to seeing you there!

Celebrating Life

Every day, we wake up to news of crime, death and misery: the economy is failing, unemployment is up, or a 4 year old child was raped and murdered by her mother's boyfriend, or a double suicide a la Romeo and Juliet happened.

Walk and Light For Hope 2011

NGF, in partnership with the QC Government, and with the participation of DOH, DepEd and DSWD, along with UP, Miriam College and Ateneo de Manila University is celebrating WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY on SEPTEMBER 09, 2011 (FRIDAY)

November 24, 2011 - LIGHT UP A LIFE at the Greenbelt 3

Starting December 1, 2011 (5:30 pm)- January 8, 2011, NGF will be holding its annual Christmas fund-raising event to help support our programs! Our Christmas tree will be located at the ground floor of Greenbelt 3, by Topshop and Topman.

September 09, 2011 - WALK AND LIGHT FOR HOPE 2011 at the UP Academic Oval, Quezon City

NGF, in partnership with the QC Government, and with the participation of DOH, DepEd and DSWD, along with UP, Miriam College and Ateneo de Manila University is celebrating WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY on SEPTEMBER 09, 2011 (FRIDAY)

This WHOLE DAY EVENT will begin in UP with a FUN RUN/WALK around the UP OVAL (6:00 am). Afterwards, we would be having a series of lectures on BULLYING and WELLNESS which will be at PALMA HALL 400.

For confidential telephone counseling and referral services via trained counselors thru our project partners.

NGF 24/7 HOPE LINE (In Partnership with UGAT Foundation):
0917-558-HOPE (4673) or (632)211-4550
0917-845-HOPE and 0917-842-HOPE

In Touch
Crisis Lines:
0917-572-HOPE or (632)211-1305
(632) 893-7606 (24/7)
(632)893-7603 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
Globe (63917) 800.1123 or (632) 506.7314
Sun (63922) 893.8944 or (632) 346.8776

"Dial a Friend"
Hotlines:
(632) 525-1743
(632) 525-1881

Doctors find new ways to fight depression

  • AF
  • Ayala Foundation USA
  • Department of Health
  • In Touch
  • Globe Telecom
  • Office of the Vice Mayor - Quezon City
  • PCNC
  • Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office
  • Philippine Mental Health Association
  • Quezon City
  • UGAT
  • FAD