As many of you may know, I’m a mental health nurse working in crisis services in Suffolk. I’m fortunate to work within a great team and support individuals of all ages who come to West Suffolk Hospital needing support.

Specially in the last few years we have seen a huge increase in the number of young people who need support. We regularly turn to local charities such as 4YP to support these individuals, which is a vital service, filling a big gap in the community.

They are a charity who work children, young people and young adults aged 7-25 and provide ‘somewhere safe to go, something positive to do and someone trusted to connect and journey with’. They offer free counselling, groups and much more across the entire county.

I am running the London Marathon in just three weeks and I have decided to use this opportunity to raise a bit of money for charity too!

Running for me is vital in managing my own mental health, whether it’s training for this marathon, other races or playing hockey! Working in mental health is a privilege, but it comes along with challenges too which sometimes put into stark perspective the job we have.

So any pennies or pounds will be hugely appreciated and will go to a great cause!

I will add links for more info/ support for young people and check out 4YP online and the great work they do :).

http://www.4yp.org.uk/

https://www.kooth.com/

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/

https://www.suffolkmind.org.uk/who-we-help/under-18s/

111 option 2 (24/7) Crisis support for all ages.