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To celebrate my 65th Birthday, I am fundraising for MOODSWINGS. 

I believe that people with severe mood disorders, with the help of this amazing charity, can have a life well-lived.  Every person in the world is unique. They each have their own story: history, values, talents, aims & hopes. Because of working with Moodswings, and with support from my family & friends, I have clarity : People who live with mood disorders are NOT defined by them. 

This can be a life-long struggle for many people. It is painful, debilitating, overwhelming and potentially life-threatening. Imagine a lifetime of swimming against the tide, always in fear of drowning? Imagine people who often have to do this alone?  

Moodswings provides a safe place to rest, reflect, keep striving & dare to look to the future.  Years of living inside a mood disorder can rob one of self-belief, strength, hope and even a sense of self. When someone is in darkness, hope can be the scariest thing: Can one trust it & how long will it stay?  I choose life & light: the moon lights up the dark & controls the tides  

Mood Swings is an award-winning Manchester-based Charity, founded in 1999, to help people recover from mood problems and the severe emotional distress they can cause. The effects on education, employment, relationships & family life can be devastating. The work of the charity is based on a belief that people can recover from severe mood problems and move on to lead happier and fuller lives. 

From its centre in Manchester, Moodswings reaches out across the northwest and beyond, with a message of real hope & optimism for individuals, their families & their friends.  Moodswings' evidence-based down to earth approach is reflected in a range of innovative services:

 -  One to one support aimed at recovery: Moodswings want people to be as well as they can be & achieve their goals in life. This support is vital to make those changes. 

- Moodswings' Recovery work: is the focus of the charity and the recovery course gives intense support to people working towards specific Wellness goals

- Confidence building groups include singing, drama, creative writing gardening and exercise et al. 

- Workshops & courses : in subjects such as sleeping better, anxiety management, self-esteem, assertiveness, anger management...

- Friends & family are supported too. They can access advice & guidance, so that they can become an enabling support to their loved ones. They can also access help & support that they may need for themselves. 

- Moodswings Helpline is available to all & provides information, advice & support.    Moodswings now have a community hub and cafe which is also open to everyone. It aims not only to serve great coffee but also to create a sense of community in the local area. The community cafe, along with the centre & the services, was built from over two decades of dedicated work and fundraising, by its founder & Chair, Tom McAlpine, with committed professionals & very well trained volunteers. 

During the Covid-19 outbreak, Moodswings has stopped all "in person" services temporarily. But they have continued to operate the helpline and to maintain ongoing support for people who desperately need it. 

MOODSWINGS was founded in 1999 by Tom McAlpine OBE. Tom was a rare man of vision, determination, wit & kindness. Tom died in 2017 & is greatly missed. I shall never ever forget him. Moodswings has continued with his ground-breaking work and with this cause, that he was was always so passionate about, and which is so highly regarded.I would like to add here some very sad news:  I have just found out that Linda Wison, beloved CEO of Moodswings died on Monday August 15th. She worked for many many years, setting up the charity alongside Tom, and carried on doing that after his death. She was a wonderful woman and helped countless people.   I just want to acknowledge that.   She was only 48 years old   

Moodswings is very close to my heart. I've set up this birthday fundraiser so that other people will have this lifeline. We all need a chance to HOPE : for hope  & joy, peace of mind and a place of safety. How great will it be then, if we can give something to other people who need help? We share a common humanity.  We all need to know that we are not alone.  I see how high the human spirit can rise, given the chance. 

Living with a serious mood disorder is not a life choice. 

 Please help. Please support MOODSWINGS.