Story
<p>Mental health problems can be limiting, ruining the life and dreams of the sufferer and others around them. However, with the right support, health care and resources, life can be made much better. Mental illness affects millions. Many suffer prejudice, lack support and understanding. Two young people I knew personally ended their life because they could no longer cope with the burden of their condition. It is not uncommon.</p>
<p> I know this well as I have mental health issues and my family knows what a struggle life can be. Services to give hope and support to sufferers, and families living with mental illness, are chronically underfunded and undervalued. Medication cannot solve traumatic personal histories and challenging living environments, isn't always successful and can bring a raft of debiliating side effects to deal with on top of the mental health problem.</p>
<p>Cycling, walking and getting out are very beneficial to health and I want to share the satisfication gained by doing this with others by raising money for my <strong>local Mind group. </strong>(Mind, nationally campaigns and researches into mental health issues and many other wonderful things. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">http://www.mind.org.uk/</span> )They do excellent work- therapeutic art, music, gardening, quizes, cooking and guidance to recover health and wellbeing and get life back on track and keep it there. They also have a weekend walking group and other physical exercise sessions throughout the week. Many service users have no other support or freedom from their illness apart from the Mind Centre.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> http://www.solentmind.org.uk/resource-centres.aspx</span></p>
<p>Undertaking a challenge such as this will be testing but , I hope, rewarding. I have been rather ill recently (hardly going out of the house) and hope that this will be a personal milestone, helping me get back on my feet, more confident that I can achieve things and point me in a new and fulfilling direction</p>
<p>. The <strong>Winchester Branch of Solent Mind at Priory Gardens</strong> has been invaluable in encouraging me to get back on my feet and giving me patient support. I have particularly enjoyed the well-attended <strong>art group </strong>but know that they are lacking materials and are looking for funding to help keep this safe space well-equipped to help service users through difficult times. Expression through art really helps, I know.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> http://www.solentmind.org.uk/resource-centres.aspx</span></p>
<p>I was inspired to make my 'Pilgrimage' by Chaucer's Canterbury Tales and we will be following the Pilgrim's Way from Winchester to Canterbury and Dover, carrying all our luggage with us, travelling through three counties, from Winchester Cathedral to Canterbury Cathedral. It will be a spiritual as well as a physical pilgrimage. I want to realise my dream and raise money so that others can do the same.</p>
<p>We'll be setting off on 11th April but donations can be taken well after that date. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Don't worry if you can't give much, even £1 is valuable. </span></p>
<p>Thanks for taking the time to read all this and visit my JustGiving page.</p>
<p>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.</p>
<p>So please dig deep and donate now. Give what you can.</p>