Hi there, for those of you who know me, I have been living with mental health problems since my early teens, which begin with self-harm, to living with an eating disorder, and suicide attempts.

I have been known to mental health services since I was 13, and I’m still receiving regular support from my Community Mental Health Team. Between November 2021-Decemeber 2022, I spent over 9 months as an inpatient on Clyne ward at Cefn Coed hospital in Swansea. Whilst at Cefn Coed, I was also diagnosed with Autism on December 14th, 2021 at the age of 28.

1 in 4 people experience a mental health problem each year, with suicide being the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year olds. Thanks to the care and treatment I received as an inpatient on Clyne ward, and the continued support I currently receive form the Community Mental Health Team, I am pleased to say that I am now doing really well and have recently returned back to work.

I am passionate about raising awareness of both mental health problems and Autism, and have decided to hold a charity event to raise much needed funds for the Adult inpatient mental health wards (Clyne-female, Fendrod-Male) at Cefn Coed Hospital. As in my situation, many inpatients on mental health wards are in hospital for several months. I myself was very fortunate to have the support of my family and friends, which enabled me to have some much-needed time away from the ward. Unfortunately, for various reasons, not all patients are as fortunate as I was. The money raised at the charity event in October, will hopefully enable patients to enjoy recreational time off the ward whilst being supported by nursing staff, or for ‘on-the-ward-activities’ which will provide much needed social stimulation, both of which are important in helping improve the mental well-being of the patients.

The charity event is being held at Sunnybank Workmen’s club in Clydach on Friday October 20th at 7pm, and I have arranged for local band ‘Peepshow’ as well as a DJ for entertainment. I will be arranging tickets soon and they will be priced at £10 each. If you would like to purchase tickets and/or to donate a raffle prize, then please let me know by contacting me on 07454 770592. Alternatively, you can also donate directly to the event on this just giving page. I want to raise as much money as I can for this much needed cause.

Without the support and treatment which I received whilst on Clyne ward, I would not be here today.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Lots of love, Saffron x