I have  worked in mental health for over 5 years now and I
am absolutely passionate at what I do. As a mental health nurse I have seen how
much the NHS is struggling, with lack of funding and services being short
staffed and cut at an alarming rate.  MIND is a mental health charity who
relies on donations in order to continue doing their work.  I’ve worked
with people who have used the services which MIND has to offer, and how much
they have helped people through the darkest times of their life. MIND is continuously
working towards improving services, raising awareness and promoting
understanding of mental health.



In 2018 MIND worked alongside other mental health sector organisations to
ensure the passage of a new law, Mental Health Units (Use of Force) Act, which
seeks to reduce the use of force and restraint against mental health patients.
In 2017 they also worked towards amending the Mental Health Act in order to ban
the use of police cells as places of safety for under 18’s in mental health
crisis. I've worked in services which both of these laws are applicable to, and
it is just mind blowing to me that a charity has the power to help change
legislation which has the potential to change lives and improve times for
people experiencing a mental health crisis.



Darlington MIND (my hometown) also provides a rapid response suicide prevention
service which I have seen help many people who feel like they have no way out
and have thoughts of taking their own life. When doing my research, I found
that they provide so many more different services which help people across the
country which are making a difference to people’s lives and their mental
health.



So I have decided to do something crazy and raise some money for this fantastic
charity. On 22nd Febuary 2020 I will be doing a sky dive, jumping out of a plane from 10,000 feet
and would be so unbelievably grateful for any donations towards this! Thank you
so much in advance and absolutely any contribution is appreciated!