It's no secret that there is a mental health crisis in the UK and that not everyone who needs help is able to receive it. NHS waiting lists for talking therapies are dangerously long, and there is a limited selection of treatments available.

I volunteered at North Yorkshire Horizons addiction recovery service until February this year. During my 25 months there I saw many of my clients undergo real, lasting change, helping them gain control over their addictions and move on from past trauma and loss. I know that what I do typically works, changing lives for good - my clients tell me so, and I've seen it happen. Our work together is tough, but it pays off, with time and dedication. I am humbled by how consistently hard my clients work to achieve this.

Now I'm raising money to help subsidise my continued work in this area.

Addiction is a complex psychosocial problem with many interlinked causes, different in each individual. It's not something that has a quick or easy solution. But it's not insurmountable, and each recovery has a profound effect on the person who has struggled and those around them. Better outcomes for one person can ripple out, causing better outcomes for family members, friends or colleagues around them.

My long term goal is to set up a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC), and apply for grants to continue this work, but I don't yet have the expertise or time to administer this. If you can help me fill the gap until I can jump those hurdles, I'd really appreciate your support.