This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) took place from the 13th to the 19th May with the inspiring theme of Movement: Move More for Mental Health. Throughout the week, we organised a variety of events to engage, educate, and entertain, all aimed at raising awareness about mental health. We invited everyone to join us in this important cause, and your support made it a memorable week.
Saturday 11th May: Spreading the Word in Newbury
Kicking off the week, several of our dedicated members were out and about in Newbury town centre. They did a fantastic job raising awareness about Eight Bells and our mission, and we are grateful to everyone who contributed to their collection buckets. Your generosity helps us continue our vital work.
Wednesday and Friday: Spreading the Word in Hungerford and Thatcham
Our amazing member Rachel took the lead in Hungerford on Wednesday and in Thatcham on Friday. Her efforts in raising awareness and collecting donations were truly commendable. Thank you, Rachel, and thank you to all who supported her.
Thursday 16th May: Open Day
The highlight of the week was our Open Day on Thursday 16th May. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to get to know us better and to learn more about our mission. The day was packed with activities designed to be both fun and enriching:
- Fun Prize Bingo: Participants enjoyed a lively game of bingo with exciting prizes.
- Creative Session: A space for artistic expression and creativity.
- Garden Activities: Engaging outdoor activities to promote movement for mental health.
- Head Massage Taster Sessions: Tilly from ABC Wellness offered relaxing head massage treatments, providing a moment of calm and relaxation.
- Wear Green: We encouraged everyone to wear green to show support for mental health awareness, symbolising our commitment to thinking about the mental health of ourselves and those around us.
We are incredibly thankful to everyone who participated in our events, wore green, and supported our mission throughout the week. Your involvement and contributions are invaluable in helping us offer friendship, support, and a listening ear to those facing mental health challenges, loneliness, or isolation in West Berkshire.
We are delighted to announce that we received £2,500 in match funding from the Big Give #Kind2Mind Campaign. This means that every £1 you donated during the week was matched, doubling the impact of each contribution. One donation, twice the impact!
? Together, we can make a difference. Let’s continue to move more for our mental health! ?