EMPOWER is a voluntary support group set up and run by Nikki Whitaker, supporting people suffering from mental illness and helping them on the road to recovery.

EMPOWER provide amazing service delivered wholly by volunteers. The group is mostly funded by service users paying £3 per visit, the problem is when you suffer from a mental illness for some people this leaves them unable to work and even £3 is too much. My aim is to raise enough money to provide two months rent for the building EMPOWER use.

EMPOWER is important to me because in 2016 my wife suffered an nervous breakdown. This left her unable to cope with managing basic everyday tasks, she went from a fun-loving outgoing fitness fanatic to being scared to leave the house feeling like there is no point in carrying on with life.

With the help of EMPOWER my wife, is very slowly but surely finding the confidence to do the simplest of things like go to the corner shop on her own. They have provided access to an assertiveness course for her, she can attend the groups and receive a massage or reiki to help her try and relax.

Without EMPOWER I don't believe her recovery, which has a long way to go, would be anywhere near the stage it is now.

Mental ill-health will affect 1 in 4 people so as much as this is a story about how EMPOWER has impacted my life there is a high chance it could have a positive impact on your life your someone close to you.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.