This September I will be embarking on an adventure to raise funds and awareness for mental health, and I would love for you to join me! I have committed to raise $1750 CAD for mental health charity bigmoose, and will be participating in the 4 day Castle 2 Castle cycling challenge set by YouTuber's Kinging-It. 50 people from all over the world will be biking 200 miles across Wales, from Caernarfon Castle in the north to Cardiff Castle in the south, and along the way there will be opportunities to discuss and share about different approaches to supporting and improving mental health.

Mental health is something that touches people around the world no matter who you are. For over ten years, my career has allowed me to work to support unhoused individuals, new Canadians and youth struggling to find work, and I've seen firsthand how mental health support is a big part of their way forward. Having support allows struggling individuals to gain motivation and strategies to keep going.

Mental health has also impacted many people in my personal life, in the forms of depression, anxiety, PTSD and trauma. I also lost a close friend to suicide a few years ago. The importance of having a professional to talk to both when needed and in a timely manner is so important. It has made the difference between life and death for people I know.

This is where bigmoose comes into play. bigmoose is a mental health charity in Wales that provides therapy, early intervention, and timely support to individuals struggling with mental health within Wales and across the UK. They also provide Suicide First Aid to anyone that wants to learn how to support individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Their therapy is helping to change lives and the number of referrals they receive is increasing every day. With other therapy options, the wait can be up to 36 weeks, but with bigmoose those needing support are replied to within 24 hours and matched with a therapist bespoke to their needs. This support is available 7 days a week, meeting people in need of mental health support where they are at, as quickly as possible.

bigmoose has a big dream to make a difference in the world and is on a mission to raise 15 million pounds for mental health. I am funding all my own travel and costs for this trip, so all fundraised money goes to bigmoose to directly support therapy sessions and mental health supports.

I am so excited to join with bigmoose and Kinging-It for this event, and to learn new perspectives and approaches towards mental health that I can bring back home. Please consider coming on this adventure with me through your financial support so we can not only change lives in Wales, but also affect conversations and stigmas worldwide.