Hi I'm Denver! Currently a final year student at Lancaster University. This year, I'm aiming to raise money for MIND, a charity aimed at providing support to those experiencing any form of mental health issues. To raise money I have decided to not have an alcoholic drink for the whole year of 2020 and by doing so raise both awareness and money for the charity itself.

Here's a few reasons why:

1. Mental Health is something that can affect everyone and varies on an individual level. It isn't an easy thing to tackle and so supporting a charity like MIND can make the difference.

2. Despite seeing a reduction in stigma around these topics, mental health is still a topic that some actively ignore. Part of the solution is having the courage to open up and break down the barriers that prevent some from talking about.

3. The consequences are drastic. Deaths by suicide rose by 10.9% in the UK in 2018 and charities like MIND can play an integral role in supporting those that are struggling mentally.

4. The solutions aren't overnight. From my own personal experience, mental health issues take time, patience and a lot of effort to overcome. It took me to the age of 19 to realise that I had Anxiety and, at the age of 22, I still continue to learn and develop my strategies for dealing with it. Charities like MIND can be that leaning shoulder.

If you want to know more about the charity the link is here: MIND Charity

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me on anything and, if you're experiencing any mental health issues, I urge you to take the step towards making it right. www.mind.org.uk/