The sky’s the limit as mental health charity issues last call for support

Mental health charity Lancashire Mind is issuing a last call for the opportunity to feel ‘on top of the world’ with an exhilarating skydive experience.

People have until April 13 to sign up via the Lancashire Mind website. The charity has secured 50 places at Black Knights Skydive Centre in Lancaster on the 13 or 20 May as part of their programme of fundraising events to mark Mental Health Awareness Week.

Mental Health Awareness Week runs from 15-21 May and is the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health and mental health challenges and inspire action to promote the message of good mental wellbeing for all.

Lancashire Mind relies on fundraising from individuals, businesses and community groups to continue to provide its services across the county.

Fundraising lead Emma Bateson said: “This is the first time we run a campaign on this scale for Mental Health Awareness Week and we’ve had a great response. But we still have a few places left and we’d really love to fill them.

“We’ve seen a reduction in our fundraising income of around 20 per cent based on the same time last year, while seeing a huge increase in requests for our services.

“There is currently huge pressure on statutory services and now, more than ever before, there is an urgent need to provide mental health support. We need to ensure we can continue to deliver our vital services to the people of Lancashire.

“This breath taking skydive experience is just one element of our fundraising plans leading up to Mental Health Awareness Week in May. We’ve kept the entry price and fundraising requirement low compared to similar challenges from other charities as we want to make this challenge as accessible as possible for our supporters.

“Whether you’re interested in skydiving on your own, with a friend or part of a team, let’s do it together for all those we care about who are living with or have experienced a mental health condition.”

Mental health issues represent the single largest cause of disability in the UK, and one in four adults suffers from at least one mental health illness in any given year.

The local mental health charity will have a team there to roar you on, alongside fellow supporters, from their dedicated cheer station.

David Dunwell, Lancashire Mind’s new CEO, said: “I’ve been impressed with the dedication and hard work shown by all the staff at Lancashire Mind, but also the fantastic fundraisers we have.

“They go above and beyond to help us, and in some cases are prepared to throw themselves out of aeroplanes!

“The funds raised by the people of Lancashire are vital – they enable us to continue to help people of all ages and from all back grounds from right across our wonderful county. I’d like to thank everyone of them, we couldn’t do it without them.”

You can find out more information by going to Lancashire Mind’s website and registering your interest https://bit.ly/skydiveforLM