I'm taking part in Mind's '10k steps a day in October' to raise funds and spread awareness around mental health. I am doing this in solidarity with anyone living with a mental illness and in memory of the people who have sadly ended their lives because of it.

10k steps a day for a month may not seem much to some people, but over the past year my average daily steps = 3,056. So this is definitely a challenge for me as I avoid walking whenever possible lol.

By encouraging open conversations and helping to end the stigma surrounding mental health, we all have the potential to save a life. More than two thirds of people who die by suicide had no contact with mental health services in the year prior to their death. Suicide should not feel like a last resort, and access to the right information and support for mental health is vital. 

You can access support from Mind at www.mind.org.uk/information-support/

Your support will make a real difference to those affected by mental health issues, and I'm grateful for donations small or large!

If you are not in a position to be able to donate, there are other ways to get involved and support Mind. Please visit www.mind.org.uk/news-campaigns/campaigns where you will be able to sign their petitions for issues that they are currently campaigning on.