Myself and a few friends will be running the Spartan Beast Half Marathon on the 16th July for Head Up Charity. Mental health is close to all 4 of us for many reasons and are excited to see a mental health charity for veterans and serving personnel. 

They're a new charity set up by 4 veterans which intend to promote mental health awareness for the UK Armed Forces and help build a positive mindset. They are on a mission to raise enough money to develop a holistic and positive 7-day retreat. This retreat will be there for all those who have served, are still serving and in any service of the UK military. 

The retreat will offer:

- A seven day, hands-on, relaxed and friendly environment

- No official medical requirements needed: individuals will load themselves on the course and attend free of charge

- 18 months aftercare package

THE HEAD-UP RETREAT

Head Up is a new UK charity set up by four veterans to help serving and former Forces personnel build a positive mindset and increase their mental resilience. Head Ups vision is to stem the increasing number of suicides within the military community by empowering people to turn things around before their issues have the chance to become life-threatening. They will do this by creating a unique, holistic countryside retreat that removes the existing barriers to getting the right help. Seven-day residential courses will provide personalised mental-health support for serving and retired members from all services of the Armed Forces. They will catch those at risk of falling through the cracks in current provision. By design, the retreat will have a non-militarised atmosphere no triggering Forces paraphernalia, photographs, uniforms or hierarchies. A calm, natural and luxurious environment will help guests feel welcome and valued.