On 14 October I will be running my first half marathon to raise money for the charity You in Mind.

Living with mental health issues is hard and life can feel daunting and isolating. You in Mind is a small registered charity( 1171923) working to provide community support services in Leicester including drop-ins, well-being groups, information, advice and guidance to adults with more severe, enduring or complex mental health conditions. They provide opportunities to access new friendship networks and support to deal with emotional or practical problems so as to avoid undue stress, crisis, relapse or hospital admission.

My sister Yolanda was diagnosed with Schizophrenia in her early twenties.

This changed the course of her life completely. Thanks to You in Mind she has groups and activities to look forward to and attend each week and a vibrant social life, as she has made a number of good friends who meet up regularly.

The charity sector is providing vital work which helps to keep people healthy and well in the community that they live in, at a time when outpatient services have been cut. Leicester has higher than the national average rates of mental illness and related hospital admissions.

You in Mind is entirely reliant on charitable grants and donations. All donations, however small, go directly towards the cost of delivering services to vulnerable people.

Thanks for your support

Monika

P.S. as You in Mind are a small charity they are not registered with Just Giving which is why I have to do this as a crowdfunding page.