A friend (who's name I won't mention to protect their privacy) has had numerous mental health issues throughout their life. From the age of 13 to now, in their second career, they have found themselves struggling to simply survive in our society, and have been in and out of hospital as well as recently sectioned for a short period of time. Ironically, they themselves have worked in the mental health department of the NHS so know the system and also it's flaws. They have been on and off an array of pills that are meant to balance and equalise moods but often only sedate and cause side effects.

They are probably one of my favourite people and watching them struggle and lack the support they need has been very difficult for me. One of the main problems that they believe is linked to their mental health is isolation. They don't have people around who truly understand them. They think differently, they question, are curious about life. Their alternative, creative and questioning nature, coupled with a mental health diagnosis, means their opinions have often been disregarded and belittled, which if I find infuriating, I can only imagine how it affects them each day.

I would like to raise enough money to pay for a course which I believe could be a huge step in building up community, connection, and self-confidence, through being surrounded by a group of people who are non-judgemental, inclusive, respectful, and even celebratory of a way of living that might in our society often be misunderstood. It is called The Journey and runs at an incredible centre called Embercombe in Devon.

I myself have been on this same course, offered to younger people, called Catalyst, when I was in my teens. It was transformational. It encouraged me to step in to risk zones, face my power, and begin to make decisions from love rather than fear. All in a supportive environment in which I felt safe to be vulnerable. It not only encouraged me to really honour my quirks, but it also provided a great source of community that I can now dip in to at any time. Knowing this community exists provided a peace of mind and prevents the feeling of isolation.

Please give what you can do help earn enough to gift this course to my dear friend. It would mean the world to them, I am sure.

This money will be to pay for the course which is £1000 and also transport which I have estimated at £200, as they life quite far away from Devon.

https://embercombe.org/the-journey/