In March 2022 I am flying to Tanzania to climb Kilimanjaro, over the next 15 months I plan to climb self funded up the highest peaks in four continents (South America - Aconcagua 6961m Jan 2023, Denali/Mount McKinley - North America 6190m May 2023, Africa - Kilimanjaro 5895m March 2022, and Mont Blanc - Europe 4809m July 2022). The aim of this challenge to raise money to help fund the launch of the Infinite Minds Centre in the East End of Newcastle, operated by The Emotional Wellness Company CIC launched to support the mental health of 16-30 year olds.

Mental health is an overwhelming issue for young people. Suicide is the leading cause of death for males and females aged between five to 34, 17 to 22 year old women are the group most at risk of developing a mental health problem, 52% of 17 to 23 year olds have experienced a deterioration in mental health in the last five years, and up to 80% of mental disorders first occur before the age of 26

Online bullying, body image, social media, self esteem issues, pressures to succeed, and materialistic pressures are just some things young people have to contend with in today’s world. Resulting issues such as depression, anxiety, and OCD have been further exacerbated due to the Coronavirus pandemic with problems of loneliness, health stresses, uncertainty, and the pressures of completing school and university in a different environment without traditional support. 67% of young people agreed that they believe the pandemic will have a long-term negative effect on their mental health and 83% of young people with mental health needs agreed that the coronavirus pandemic had made their mental health worse,

Early intervention is key and young people need proactive support in the form of therapy to develop mindfulness techniques, healthy coping mechanisms, and understanding of how their minds work. Unfortunately at present, while NHS staff working in mental health do a truly amazing job their resources are stretched such that they often to carry out the role of firefighters, young people are either not getting the support they need, or not getting it when they need it. 34% of those who get referred into NHS services are not accepted into treatment and 65% of university students are not confident of getting mental health support if they need it, Waiting lists for talking therapies can be up to 2 years through NHS self referral in Newcastle with young people having to somehow cope with their issues without support until that point.

I myself have had severe mental health issues of anxiety, OCD, and depression on four separate occasions between the ages of 18 and 32. Fortunately I had the money to access private therapy, a support network of family and friends some with lived experience, and access to activities and tools to boost my mental health.

The mission of the Infinite Minds Centre will be to provide access to therapy for any young person 16-30 who needs it when they need it, without waiting lists. The centre will have a studio providing activities to aid mindfulness and boost wellbeing in the form of workshops, group therapy, exercise, and meditation. All of this will be free, with young people becoming members of the Infinite Minds centre.

More than two thirds of young people have said they would prefer to be able to access mental health support without going through their GP, one reason for this is that it can be quite an intimidating and stressful environment. The centre will be a modern, comfortable and welcoming space making it somewhere people can feel comfortable accessing mental health support. There will be a coffee shop for people to meet up holding a wide range of community events.

The Infinite Minds Centre will be a place run by young people with lived experience for young people. Launching this huge project is going to be a challenging task in terms of fundraising, sourcing grants, and administration; please help by giving if you can, it is hugely appreciated.