July 31, 2021 - 2065 views
This weekend, two Kind Bay Initiative (KBI) volunteers, brothers, Josh and Ben, are speaking out and raising awareness about local mental health issues by carrying a stretcher weighing 80KG up Wales' highest mountain - Snowdon.
The challenge will not only raise funds for the Colwyn Bay based group but is being undertaken in such a way to symbolise carrying an average body and the weight mental health issues can have on someone's life.
Helen Robinson from the KBI explained why the challenge was so important. "Here at the Kind Bay Initiative we support those that are vulnerable in our society as well as providing free hot food and clothing.
"In addition to this, we offer listening support, bike share schemes, creative and express sessions, walk and talk groups and much more that benefits mental health and well being.
"Since the outbreak of Covid-19 our services have been a 'lifeline' to many. Throughout the pandemic, we have continued our delivery outside and under gazebos providing listening support and outreach that has been so desperately needed.
"We are aware of the rates of suicides in our area, particularly with young men and KBI has often provided support and signposting to those that have come to us feeling this way. We offer a totally accepting and non-judgemental service where we don't aim to 'fix or to pry' but to listen, guide and help those in need to get the right support."
"Josh and Ben have also suffered with their mental health over the years and still have their own challenges. They want to do this fundraiser to help raise awareness that it's OK to talk about mental health, and how speaking out can help you to find the support that you need. They want to help to break the shame that seems to exist around talking about mental health issues."
Snowdon is 1085 metres high - carrying 80kg between them up the steep incline and down again will definitely be a challenge, so please show your support so The Kind Bay Initiative can keep helping those in need in our community.
This money is vital for the group to be able to stay in the community building which they have just taken over on Princess Drive and it will enable them to provide space for other support groups in the community and to offer more and more services that can benefit mental health.
Raising £6000 a year to find to be able to keep providing this support hub is an important objective for the KBI.
To sponsor Josh, Ben and locally based KBI volunteers to climb their mountain and help sufferers of mental health issues do the same, please visit https://localgiving.org/appeal/brothersmentalhealthchallenge/
