For Richard, who will be with me in spirit on the day of my wing walk for Mind.

Minds mission is to listen to our communities and offer compassionate and inclusive mental health services, resources and practical support to promote wellbeing for everyone. Mid and North East Essex Mind are a local mental health charity affiliated to the national charity Mind. We are financially independent and rely on donations and fundraising to continue our services. Our purpose is to offer hope and support for good mental health, so that no one feels alone.

You can read more on their website Mid North East Essex Mind: Mental Health Support in Essex.

A few examples of where your money could help is:

£300 – Give a series of six counselling session for a voice to be heard - your support could fund a series of six private counselling sessions for an adult or young person in our community who might otherwise struggle alone.

£477 – Give one month of Welcome Cafés - could fund a month of cafés hosted by a mental health practitioner. Each week, more people can access a friendly, welcoming space to talk about mental health, connect with others, and take a step towards wellbeing.

£800 – Give a full week of support - your donation could fund a full week of triaging calls. Hundreds of moments where someone in crisis receives reassurance, guidance, and care. Help us make sure no one in our community faces a mental health challenge alone.