Neglecting our mental health can have a negative impact on our physical health.Earlier this year,I neglected mine&was hit with a virus unable to walk for a few weeks.It was terrifying but a wake up call that I needed.I'm going to use my legs&ability to walk to do something good.

I'll be walking 10 miles on World Mental Health Day(10th October)for Minds United&Our Power Hub.

I've lived in North Kensington my whole life(34 years)I'm a Grenfell Tower Survivor,Grenfell United Committee Member,a Mental Health Social Worker&have recently become a Committee Member for Minds United.I was diagnosed with Depression& Anxiety in my teens&Complex PTSD a few years ago.I have friends&family who suffer from mental health conditions&have lost loved ones to suicide.

North Ken has one of the highest rates in London of people with mental health difficulties which increased after the Grenfell Tower Fire in June 2017.Our community was destroyed&left to pick up the pieces&support each other.Working on the frontline of the pandemic,I've witnessed people in crisis&pressure on mental health units which has led to early discharges from hospital with no support to assist recovery.This is why organisations like Minds United&Our Power Hub are lifelines.

Minds United are peer led using sport to connect the community&reduce isolation.Their aim is to improve the 4 elements of wellbeing:social, emotional,physical&mental health by meeting up regularly for free,fun&friendly football.

Our Power Hub was established by a bereaved family member of the Grenfell Tower Fire offering a range of peer support&wellbeing activities to bereaved,survivors&community members of all ages

Please support to reach my target for these organisations who support people on their journey to recovery& improved physical and mental wellbeing.Feel free to meet me at the finish line with a bottle of water(or something stronger)Now to decide on which trainers I don't mind mashing up lol