YoungMinds is the UK's leading charity championing the wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. Driven by their experience, YoungMinds creates change so that children and young people can cope with life's adversities, find help when needed and succeed in life.

For the young people of today, mental health issues are becoming an increasingly likely challenge. As well as having an immediate and severe impact on young lives, the struggles faced in childhood can have an effect for years to come.

I am passionate about giving our children the best possible start, but sadly, the demand for support services far outweighs the available resources. And when you think about what it takes for someone to decide to reach out to mental health services, consider that this is just the tip of the iceberg. Long before reaching that point of desperation, young people will be enduring in silence.

YoungMinds is one of the charities trying to pick up the shortfall and give the best possible support to children and young people who are struggling with their mental health. They are passionate and active advocates for young people, able to influence real change, and I can think of no better destination for this year's Bassvent funds.

I would love to think we could help improve some lives - by directly funding support, and by simply spreading awareness and openness. By spreading the message that we care, we understand, and it's going to be OK. It would be really something to think that we could do our bit to help provide more options for young people going through difficult times. Options that could brighten someone's future, or even save a life.

So, please, give what you can, and together we can change some lives for the better.

Thank you,

Michael