In 1985, a local mum from Sutton created one of the UK’s first family support group following her own experience of dealing with her son’s addiction. The group started in her home and soon expanded to become what is CDARS today.

Established in South West London, CDARS now works with about 1200 people facing mental health issues, substance/ alcohol misuse and other complex issues. Their holistic and creative approach helps people improve their wellbeing and life circumstances to achieve recovery and re-integration.

Alex has worked at CDARS for almost 9 years so she has seen the transformative impact their services have on people in crisis, whether it be due to an addiction, a mental health crisis or having suicidal thoughts.

Mental health is a cause very close to our hearts so we are determined to raise as much money as possible to enable CDARS to continue its mission to help people at risk make positive lifestyle changes and improve their lives.

So in September we will be flying to beautiful Morocco to trek to the highest summit in North Africa, Mount Toubkal, standing at 4,167m over sea levels. Tackling altitude sickness may well be tricky but we are keen to complete the trek to challenge the stigma on mental health and addiction and to raise vital funds for CDARS. So to make it all worthwhile, we need your generous support. A donation could contribute towards an individual counselling session for a person with suicidal thoughts, or a Dance Movement Therapy session or even a homecooked meal for someone who is struggling to make ends meet.

PS: our trip and trek is 100% self-funded so every donation will go directly towards the work of CDARS.

Thank you.

Rups and Alex x