https://www.facebook.com/Me4Mental/.

1st June 2019 I’ll be walking from the far end of dungiven and making my way to Derry/Londonderry hoping to raise as much as possible for ME4MENTAL a charity that means the world to me and the people of Derry/Londonderry.

Mental health is something very close to my heart, not only do I have mental health issues amongst physical health issues and battles with suicidal thoughts but I’ve lost friends over the years that also had mental health issues, unfortunately it got too much for these people and they lost their battle with suicide.

I miss them dearly, no words can express the deep sadness I feel carrying on with life without them but I’m here, to me it only seems right to honour their names by taking up challenges that raise funds and awareness for mental health and suicide prevention and to keep advocating for the people of Northern Ireland & Derry/Londonderry and educating others where I can.

Below is the most recent annual report on suicide statistics. Please click the link to read: https://www.assemblyresearchmatters.org/2019/02/27/suicide-statistics-and-policy-in-northern-ireland/

It is said that 1 in 4 of us will experience Mental health issues, though in theory anyone no matter their status can develop a mental health issue, mental health issues do not descriminate and in reality anyone from any background is at risk of developing them.

Our mental health services have faced numerous funding cuts which poses a huge problem in delivering the care those with mental health issues desperately need and many cases are often overlooked posing potentially devastating consequences to the sufferers of poor mental health and their families.

My aim is to highlight the importance of funding, services, care and to also bring awareness by providing educational information on the various mental health issues out there,

Also to sign post to the various mental health organisations and charities that can support those living with mental health issues and their loved ones.

By walking in aid of mental health I hope to raise crucial funding to keep the amazing charities we do have open so that those with poor mental health have somewhere to turn and can continue to receive the support they need.

#MentalHealthMatters #Me4Mental #MissShiningLight2019 #WalkAmileInMyShoes