Fiona's Story

I’m facing my biggest fear to support Mindspace, a charity that has made a significant impact on many people’s lives over many years.

I’ve been a counsellor for nearly 20 years, and for the past 14 of those ive worked with Mindspace. I worked first as a sessional counsellor with Mindspace and three years ago, I became the Senior Counsellor, so I have seen over the years how much of a difference our service makes and how life changing it is for clients.

Mental health support is crucial just now. Yet, like many third-sector organisations, our funding is under real pressure. More people than ever are reaching out for help, but there are fewer resources to meet that growing demand. We have closed our waiting list now because as of today there are 125 clients waiting for an initial assessment and 357 waiting to begin counselling. That’s makes 482 people altogether waiting for counselling.

That’s why I’m taking on a personal challenge - one that truly terrifies me.

I have a serious fear of heights. So serious, in fact, that I had to be rescued from the high ropes course at Landmark... twice! Jumping out of a plane isn’t my idea of fun. It’s a massive personal hurdle. But I’m determined to face this fear head-on to raise as much as I can for this incredible charity. It’s a service that changes lives, and often saves them.

Please donate if you can. Every penny will go directly to helping people access the support they so desperately need.

Thank you for supporting me, and for supporting Mindspace.

Mindspace, a mental health charity offering vital support to our community.

UPDATE: Due to health reasons Fiona's son Michael will now be doing the dive.

Debbie's Story

Hi, I'm Debbie, and I'm taking on a skydive to raise money for Mindspace, a charity that’s very close to my heart, both personally and professionally.

Before I worked at Mindspace, I was a participant in their groups during a difficult time in my life. I joined a gardening group, which not only helped my mental health but also connected me with others and showed me the real power of community support. That experience changed my life - and now, just a few years later, I’m proud to say I work at Mindspace as a Recovery Facilitator.

Every day, I feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a compassionate, inspiring team. We run a wide range of support groups for people struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and more. From mindfulness to sleep workshops, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), our aim is to help people manage their mental health in a safe, supportive space.

I’m not afraid of heights, but I am doing this skydive to face a deeper fear - the fear of fear itself. I’ve always loved the quote:

"Look fear in the face and it will cease to trouble you."

That’s exactly what this challenge means to me: pushing past fear and proving that I can do things I once thought impossible.

To go from someone who once turned to Mindspace for help, to now jumping out of a plane to raise money for them - it’s been an incredible journey. If you’re able to donate, no matter how small, it would mean the world to me and to those we support.

Thank you so much for your generosity 💙