A dedicated volunteer, a compassionate supporter and a true pillar of the Eight Bells for Mental Health community.
We are incredibly proud to celebrate Rachel Jones, our Unsung Hero 2025, whose extraordinary dedication, kindness and generosity have made a lasting difference to Eight Bells for Mental Health and the wider local community.
Rachel has been a valued member of Eight Bells since 2015. While she has faced her own challenges with PTSD, stress and anxiety, she has consistently gone above and beyond to support others, turning her own experiences into a source of compassion, understanding and encouragement for those around her.
Her journey is a powerful reminder that people who have needed support themselves can go on to become an incredible source of strength for others.
Rachel’s contribution to Eight Bells is remarkable. She is involved in almost every aspect of the charity, from fundraising and outreach to providing practical, hands-on support to members.
She has single-handedly organised street collections in Newbury, Thatcham and Hungerford, baked countless cakes for coffee mornings and fundraising stalls, and even completed a sponsored walk from Windsor to Newbury to raise vital funds. Her loyal therapy dog, Sampson, has joined her on sponsored walks, bringing an extra special touch to her fundraising efforts.
Rachel’s generosity extends far beyond fundraising. During our support sessions, she regularly prepares hot meals for members, sourcing fresh ingredients from local suppliers and donating both the food and her time. Her cooking helps create a warm, welcoming environment where members can come together, share a meal and feel part of a community.
And when help is needed, Rachel is always there.
She is often the first to volunteer and regularly steps in at short notice when others are unavailable. Over the May bank holiday, when volunteers dropped out at the last minute, Rachel stepped up to cover two events, demonstrating the reliability and selflessness that make her such an invaluable member of our team.
Rachel’s impact reaches well beyond the day-to-day running of Eight Bells.
Through public speaking and representing the charity at events, she helps raise awareness of mental health, challenge stigma and encourage people to seek support. By speaking openly about her own experiences, Rachel helps others feel less alone and shows that mental health challenges should never be a barrier to making a positive difference.
Her dedication has also extended to leadership and governance. Rachel has served on the Members Management Committee and as a trustee, contributing her experience and insight to important decisions about the charity’s future.
She is not a paid professional in the mental health sector; she gives her time, energy and resources voluntarily, making a significant commitment week after week. Much of what she does happens quietly behind the scenes, without expectation of praise or recognition.
Rachel’s contribution has a profound impact on both Eight Bells and the people who rely on its services.
Her fundraising helps support the long-term sustainability of the charity, helping to protect the vital mental health support that members need. Her collections and sponsored walks raise not only much-needed funds but also awareness, encouraging greater understanding and engagement within the local community.
Her meals and baking bring comfort, connection and a sense of belonging to people who may be experiencing isolation or hardship. Her willingness to step in when others need help inspires fellow members and volunteers, while her outreach work encourages others to speak openly about mental health and access support.
Rachel understands the importance of Eight Bells because she has experienced that support herself. Her motivation comes from gratitude and a genuine desire to give something back. In doing so, she has become a lifeline for others, helping to ensure that the same support remains available to those who need it.
Her kindness also extends to other local organisations, reflecting a wider commitment to helping people and strengthening the community around her.
Rachel embodies everything the title of Unsung Hero represents. She leads by example, gives selflessly, and consistently puts the needs of others first. Whether she is preparing meals, organising collections, speaking publicly, supporting members or filling a last-minute volunteering gap, she approaches everything with warmth, compassion and determination.
She has helped shape the charity, strengthen its future and create a more welcoming and supportive environment for its members. Her story is one of resilience, generosity and the extraordinary difference one person can make.
Rachel, thank you for everything you do for Eight Bells for Mental Health and for the wider community. Your commitment, compassion and unwavering support mean more than words can express. You may not seek the spotlight, but your impact is felt by so many people.
We are delighted to recognise your contribution and celebrate you as our Unsung Hero 2025. You are an inspiration to us all, and we are incredibly fortunate to have you as part of the Eight Bells family.
Congratulations, Rachel – this recognition is so richly deserved!
