Those of you that know me will know that I’m fond of a strong drink. It’s no secret that events are more likely to get my attention if there’s any combination of the words ‘free’ and ‘bar’ on the invite. What many of you may not know, however, is that for the last two years I’ve been struggling with depression. I have scars, both physical and emotional, from my fight against the black dog, and after two years of trying to drown my sorrows instead of actually trying to beat them, I decided to do something about it. So, for a month, I’m giving up alcohol completely. If it helps then I’ll be doing it on a far more permanent basis. I know what you’re thinking, why am I telling you all this? Well, dear reader, read on.

Mental healthcare is grossly underfunded in this country. PACE, the most prominent LGBTQ mental charity, closed its doors for the final time last year, due in no small part to savage funding cuts. Our government, despite bluster and rhetoric, has shown little interest in helping the 42% of LGBTQ people that have sought medical help for depression or anxiety, the 52% of LGBTQ people that reported self-harming, or the 44% of LGBTQ people that have contemplated suicide. Medical help is there, but it’s sparse, and it’s not quick or easy to get comprehensive, free treatment. That’s where you come in. We need to make sure that people suffering from depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts are looked after, and MindOut, a Brighton-based mental health charity run by LGBTQ people for LGBTQ people, are doing just that. They offer advocacy, peer support groups, peer mentoring, and an online chat service for people that are struggling, and services such as these are indispensable.

That’s why I’m using this first month, my trial month, as more than an exercise in my own mental health. I’m using it as a way to raise money for a charity that is picking up the slack from an underfunded, overstretched NHS and social care system. I'm starting today, and in a month's time, I'm going to donate however much I've raised to MindOut. I'm aiming for a somewhat ambitious £500 to start off with, so please, please, please give as much as you can to ensure that LGBTQ people don’t have to suffer in silence when it comes to their mental health. Thank you. x