The Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust has been at the forefront of exploring mental health and wellbeing for over a century as a historic leader in relational and talking therapies. The birthplace of attachment theory, a Tavi training has added to the practice and lives of generations of practitioners who value its dedication to innovation, reflection, contradiction and change.

As somebody who has worked to widen participation in its trainings, I know how committed the Trust is to making its courses and clinical trainings inclusive and accessible to all. Bursaries are key part of this, but the Trust complements these with mentorship as part of its support for under-represented students.

The charity's fledgling bursary programme was created by a number of bequests, and we're now keen to secure its future by raising funds on our bikes.

Find out more about the work and motivation of our mentors here:

https://tavistockandportman.ac.uk/news/widening-participation-in-higher-education/

As some of you may know, I had traumatic experience on my cycle home from work two and a half years ago. While my battle score (only 6 broken ribs) was nowhere near as high as my colleague and co-rider Rachel's, it kept me off my commute for 2 years.

The Tavi makes is hard not to succeed in processing these experiences however, and I too have been back on the saddle this year and enjoying every minute.

I hope you will support me in this journey, but most importantly support us in making sure tomorrow's practitioners truly reflect the diverse populations we serve.