I've raised £5000 to help fund peer support groups and activities for people experiencing mental health issues

MEGAN CIC have supported over 4,500 people with their mental health since August 2009.
MEGAN CIC offer a free service to anyone aged 17+ in Medway, Swale, West Kent, Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley.
The programme of peer support groups has been developed and is delivered by people with lived experience of mental health issues.
I have been with Megan for 2 years now and have struggled with how to describe the good that Megan does. Much of the attributes of Megan are the same attributes that many of us find sadly lacking in other mental health services. Megan is a community, where very quickly you feel like you belong. Belonging is not something that comes easily to many of us, but Megan makes you feel welcome and valued. We are people who often do not value ourselves, and so to be valued by the Megan community is a wonderful feeling. Each one of us is important and are always made to feel that way. I have never felt insignificant whilst with Megan. Megan brings together people from all walks of life, and somehow the environment is perfect for us to open up and share. Normally, I will bottle up my feelings, but on Megan I find it easy to share them. When you offer advice and someone says thank you, your self-esteem has a big smile. Megan makes no claim to cure you, but every member of the team always want to help and you can feel how much they care. Unlike many other services, Megan will never throw you away and finish with you. The reliability and trust that Megan brings is so important to many of us who need something permanent. Megan brings a relaxed atmosphere to the sessions that allows us to discuss serious topics and at the same time have plenty of laughter. Megan provides an atmosphere where you can help others and be helped by others. This is not easy to do, but Megan does it effortlessly.
We rely on funding from local authorities, NHS and grant funders. This funding is becoming harder and harder to secure due to local cut backs. We are therefore looking at other ways to raise funds in order to continue current delivery and to further develop the current programme of support.
Funds raised will be used to run peer support groups, one off activities and workshops and to cover running costs.