Hi Everyone,

As some of you may know I'm running the Liverpool Rock 'n' Roll Marathon on the 20th of May and have decided to dedicate my cause to a local charity based in Newbury.

Eight Bells for Mental Health (Eight Bells) is a member led organisation which runs a Drop-in service in a safe and welcoming environment twice a week offering support, advice and friendship to anyone affected by mental health issues in the Newbury areas. The key priorities are to reduce social isolation, provide advocacy and peer support for individuals involved.

Eight Bells provides space where members are able to socialise with other people who have similar experiences than them, but without the label of clinical diagnosis attached to them. This is an environment where members are encouraged to be themselves and make friends.The charity also organises a range of activities that support the drop in including weekly art sessions, a member run craft group as well as organised trips.

Many members have requested that the drop in be available more often. This has been spoken of for many years and something that the trustees would like to implement in 2018, so would be looking for funding to support the running costs of the drop in for three days a week.

Having seen some of the opportunities that this charity provides and met some of the inspirational individuals involved I have decided to dedicate my cause in aid of this charity I would be so grateful if people would get behind me and help support such an amazing organisation. Any donations small or large would be greatly appreciated!