I am taking part in a skydive in order to raise money for the Mental Health Foundation in memory of a good friend of mine and many others who we sadly lost back in March, Adam Elliott. 

As well as this I have many personal views on the subject of Mental Health and the way it is dealt with. This issue happens all around us and is all too often left unnoticed, seeing the effects in which it has upon people and the lack of support in which they receive is worrying. It's something I have felt personally affected by and seen others struggle through.

The lack of funding the government provides to this sector means there is just not enough professional people to support those in need and as a result people either don't get the help they need or are put on endlessly long waiting lists. All of this pressure doesn't allow the person receiving support to have the sufficient time and intensity of care. If a person resorts to self harm and are asked the next day by a professional if they are going to do it again, are they really going to give an honest answer, and should that one question determine whether or not that person receives any extra support?

The Mental Health Foundation provides information, guidance and support to try and prevent a crisis from happening. They influence and help people to access information and ways in which they can take care of their mental health, as a result allowing the individual to carry out normal daily tasks, work, and sustain healthy relationships with others etc.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/ 

Take the time to look at the page for the Sudden Loss Support group set up by Adam's family in his memory, if anyone is in need of support following the death of a child they are a local group for bereaved parents and siblings :)

 https://facebook.com/SuddenLossSupportGroup/

More awareness and support could really make a difference, any donations would be massively appreciated, thank you!

Bethany Cousins