Andy Munns
A mental health awareness gala has raised £4,760 for two charities focusing on mental health.
The gala was an emotional evening with talks from various people, including veterans, mental health workers and people who have lost family members.
This year’s event raised funds for Tidworth-based Kick Start FC and The Elliot Project.
Kickstart FC uses the power of football to support men and women who experience episodes of poor mental health and lack of social inclusion.
The Elliot Project aims to educate the wider community and provide them with the tools required to help those struggling with a mental health crisis.
Providing the entertainment was local band Treblemakers at the event held at The Gray Manor hotel in Cholderton, who performed free of charge.
This is the second Mental Health gala organised by Lucie Jones; the first was held in Salisbury’s Guildhall last year. Lucie has committed now to making this an annual event. She said: “It was such a successful night again I have decided to hold it annually as it’s imperative we keep raising awareness in Mental Health and break the stigma as the problem will never go away.”
Mental health needs highlighting so much, there’s not enough help out there and the issue is worsening.
She added: “Guests were very emotional; many approached me after to say it had been educational, inspiring, powerful, and they were taking away new knowledge on mental health.“
Over 50 prizes were donated by local businesses and organisations for the raffle, helping add to the total raised.
One of the speakers on the night was ex-serving soldier Corporal Brian Green.
When asked why he wanted to speak at this year’s local Mental Health Gala, Brian said, “Mental Health is an invisible killer that breaks the strongest men. Most men won’t admit that there’s a problem and keep it hidden from the normal world – the question is, why? Pride is usually the reason but is it a weakness to show your soft side?
“I’m here to show it’s not. It’s ok not to be ok – speak out before you follow the path of suicide.”
