1 in 4  ~ That’s the number of people who are affected by mental illness. It can affect people of all ages and walks of life ~ triggered by physical, social, environmental or/and genetic factors, and will affect us all in some way during our lives, looking out for friends in time of distress, our families and their needs, or problems we ourselves may encounter. Unfortunately, as it is not as visible as with the majority of illness, it is not without stigma and discrimination, and great understanding and inroads to research are still being made. Changing dreams…… moving on. My family's recent experience and our journey to help a beautiful, intelligent, creative person on the road to recovery is a huge learning curve. Family members are the main carers for the majority experiencing mental illness, bringing tremendous stress for the entire family who experience a difficult adjustment period and then begin their own recovery process. Mental illness brings enormous change and a different sense of what is truly important. Things are not the same and may never be the same, but life can continue with love, laughter, joy, anger, tears and sorrow…..just like before!

So, not being a runner (perhaps just yet) I 'm joining Together: Walk for Wellbeing 4 - 8 mile fundraising walk of the London Bridges from City Hall ending at Blackfriars/Tate Modern on Sunday 11 October 2009. The walk is to raise funds for vital work, supporting people with severe and enduring mental health needs 

Together, is the country’s oldest community mental health charity, founded in 1879 and one of the main UK mental health charities working alongside over 3,500 people a month on their journey towards greater wellbeing. http://www.together-uk.org Please help me raise funds and raise awareness!

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