Mental health is an issue that is incredibly close to the hearts of many students here in York, and our key aim is to get people talking about mental health in an open and frank manner; we all have mental health, in the same way we have physical health.

Some of the issues that students currently face regarding mental health support are reflected in the story of Charlie Watkins, a student here at York from 2013-17. Charlie was an active member of the student community and a keen sportsperson. However, unknown to most, he struggled in silence from both anxiety and depression. Feeling unable to speak about, or seek help, for the struggles he was experiencing, Charlie tragically took his own life on March 13th 2017.

The Charlie Watkins Foundation, set up in his memory, is completely committed to not only raising awareness of mental health of students in the UK, but also to tangibly improving the help and support they can access. They are currently setting up a ‘Chat with Charlie’ digital support platform, where students will be able to message in and get immediate help from trained professionals for mid to low level mental health issues.It is this cause that the Sabbs are fundraising for. Throughout this term we will be fundraising on nights out, arranging karaoke nights, and charity film screenings, all building up to a sponsored skydive in May.Any donation you can make, no matter how big or small, really will make a difference to students here in York, and across the UK.

If we can get just one person to reconsider their approach to mental health, whether that’s protecting their own or looking out for those around them, that in itself is a victory. We hope you agree.