I want to share with you my story, mental health is something I have personally being battling for a long time. I was too afraid to speak up, open up and share my darkest thoughts. It can be a very lonely and isolating time for someone to go through. Every year, one in four of us will experience a mental health problem. But hundreds of thousands of people are still struggling.

I am Lauren, I am 27 and I am a store manager for The Co-operative Food and I am someone who has suffered with their mental health. It took me a while to realise that mental illness is not your personal failure, it doesn't define who you are, you need to fight the war within to survive the battle outside. Not enough people come forward to tell their story, through fear of judgement, fear of no one caring or understanding. But this is your time; your story matters! So to help raise awareness I have signed up for a charity sky dive on the 4th July!

The Co-op are partnered with a charity called MIND; who provide advice and support to anyone who is experiencing problems with mental health. They campaign hard to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. They refuse to give up until everyone experiencing a mental health issue gets support and respect.

Mental health is preserved wealth. To be healthy as a whole, your mental health plays a very vital role. I think the key to a better world a better tomorrow is to take a step together towards mental health. You need to constantly assure yourself that there is hope, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Even when it feels like there isn't. You will get there, you will be okay.

So please, donate what you can to this great charity and help spread awareness about one of the most stigmatised things in our society today!!! Plus I am absolutely bricking it, so even if it's for the thought of me jumping out of a plane at 10,000 feet that makes you want to donate, please just do it

Loz

xoxo