Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

From the 2nd-7th May 2011 I will be 'plugging out' completely to raise money for Mind - no mobile phone, internet or TV!

I can't IMAGINE how I am going to survive for a whole 6 days with no mobile or internet as I rely on both for EVERYTHING, but it's all for a good cause! :) I am going to allow myself to be contacted on and use the landline, for emergencies and making sure the family are OK, etc.

I have been a media volunteer for Mind since Spring 2010 and haven't looked back since! After experiencing depression at the hands of my previous employers I contacted Mind after their appeal for people to speak about their experiences for Mind Week 2010. Speaking to various media agencies has returned my confidence to (and surpassed) its levels of old and has been pivotal in my recovery and for this I cannot thank Mind enough. This is why I want to give something back by raising as much money as I can in the run up to Mind Week 2011. You can read more about Mind below and on their website: http://www.mind.org.uk.

As the leading mental health charity for England and Wales, Mind is a force for change.

We campaign vigorously to create a society that promotes and protects good mental health for all - a society where people with experience of mental distress are treated fairly, positively and with respect.

We are both a local and national network. Through this network we work with around 250,000 people every year. We are able to help people who experience all types of mental distress, and who may require help from one or more of our services.

People who experience mental distress are always at the very heart of our work. We listen and make sure their voices are heard by those who influence change. We demand higher standards in mental health care and challenge discrimination wherever it occurs.

With one in four people likely to experience a mental health problem every year it is critical that we raise awareness and promote good mental health for the benefit of all members of society.

Please watch this short video highlighting the kind of work Mind does and what services your money can help sustain: http://www.mind.org.uk/thisismind

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now!

Below are some links to some of the media work I have been involved with on behalf on Mind:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8683184.stm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00scbg4/You_and_Yours_17_05_2010/

http://www.mind.org.uk/blog/4727_speaking_out_against_workplace_discrimination

Thank you everyone! It's really appreciated :) <3

Carly xxx