150 miles for Mind - South West Coast Path

150 miles for Mind - My story

 

On October 4, I will begin a 150-mile walk/camp around the Cornish coast from Falmouth to Newquay. I will be doing this walk solo and camping the entire way. The money raised will go towards the charitable work of Mind, which helps those in need who are experiencing mental health problems by providing advice and support that is often life-changing.

 

We are all impacted by mental health in some shape or form. We either experience these problems ourselves or feel their impacts from our closest friends and family.

 

If a member of your family or one of your friends was experiencing a mental health problem and did not feel like they could talk to anyone about it, would you wish that Mind was there to listen? If the answer is yes, then please consider donating to my campaign.

 

Over the last year, Mind's information on mental health was accessed by those in need 18 million times; their helplines responded to 119,000 people and supported 333,000 people via their local Mind services. These services are critical and lift those who use them; for example, a family member has used these services and said they were vital elements of support for their mental health and well-being looking towards the future.

 

Context and statistics of mental health

 

Following the pandemic, the mental health statistics are frightening. Mental health across the population has declined over the past year.

 

Each year, one in four will experience a mental health problem; this means that of the 20 people in your close circle, 5 will struggle with their mental health. These 5 people could include your parents, siblings, friends, and other family members.

 

Over the course of someone's lifetime:

 

Mental health problems have been on the rise in recent years:

 

Why Mind?

 

84% of the money donated to Mind goes straight towards their charitable work, which is significantly higher than other charities. Mind spent £35.6 million delivering this work last year, representing a 39% increase on the previous year.

 

Mind provides support and reliable information that can change the lives of people suffering from mental health problems through their Infoline, Legal Line, and certified information packs.

 

Their Local Minds help support those in local communities who are most in need, comprising 125 local hubs/minds.

 

This campaign is on GoFundMe as they do not charge for the donations made via Gift Aid.

 

Thank you for reading this story, and I hope you will support my campaign to help raise money to deliver critical help to people experiencing mental health problems. If you are not in a position to be able to donate, please consider sharing this campaign!