IT’s hoped a partnership between mental health charity the Service Users’ Network and Nationwide International will help break down barriers and reduce the stigma around mental health problems.
Seamus Byrne, head of sales and marketing for Nationwide International, said staff member Cathy Mitchell had submitted a proposal that the company support the charity for the year and staff had overwhelmingly voted in favour.
‘They felt it was a worthwhile charity that needed some support,’ said Mr Byrne.
Cathy, a compliance officer, supports SUN in memory of her brother Terry, who committed suicide at the age of 37 three years ago.
‘Shortly before his death he had some mental health problems and was a user of the mental health service,’ explained Cathy, 28. ‘He took his own life, he couldn’t speak openly about certain issues, and that inspired me to raise more awareness.
‘I know that one of the hardest to reach and most at risk groups are young males, who find it hard to talk about their issues.’
Cathy gave herself a personal fundraising target of £3,000 and has so far reached £2,625.86.
Much of that came in as a result of her participation in the Ramsey Half Marathon in July and then the Three Peaks Challenge in August.
The Three Peaks Challenge involves reaching the summit of the three highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales in 24 hours.
The challenge starts at the foot of Ben Nevis (1,344m/4,409ft) in the Scottish Highlands. moves to Scafell Pike (978m/3,206ft) in the Lake District and finishes at the foot of Snowdon (1,085m/3,560ft), North Wales.
Thanks to Cathy’s submission to her employers, SUN will now receive the proceeds of any fundraising Nationwide carries out for the next year. So far there have been a variety of events held including dress down days, a baking competition, the Parish Walk and a Murder Mystery event. The company has more events lined up as the year goes on.
‘Nationwide is really keen to try and work with SUN to see if we can have a high profile event in the coming months,’ said Seamus.
SUN’s Elaine Haynes said the group was delighted with Cathy’s and Nationwide’s support and particularly hoped it went some way to reducing the stigma attached to mental health problems.
SUN is made up of a group of people who have experienced mental health problems who came together to support each other and to have their voices heard. The charity’s aim is to contribute to the continued development of contemporary, recovery focused mental health services in the island and to raise awareness and challenge the stigma associated with mental illness. Membership of SUN allows your voice to be heard, access to support, advice and information and the help to challenge stigma and discrimination. It is open to anyone who has an interest in mental health.
For further information about the Service Users’ Network call 616188 or 457756, email {mailto:serviceusersnetwork@manx.net|serviceusersnetwork(at)manx.net} or visit the SUN website at {http://www.manxsun.im.manxsun.im}.
{http://www.justgiving.com/CathyMitchell2012|http://www.justgiving.com/CathyMitchell2012}
