Ben WarrenA charity worker will be taking on a challenge to represent the “repetitive cycle” people struggling with their mental health can feel on a day-to-day basis.
Daniel James plans to walk 55 laps around Somerset County Cricket Club’s ground on 10 October – World Mental Health Day.
The challenge is also about “promoting hope” and the simple things we can do to help our mental health, such as talking, exercising, and getting fresh air.
“As I walk in circles, I will be reminded of the daily battles many face when dealing with mental health issues – the feeling of being stuck and overwhelmed,” Mr James said.
He has partnered with Somerset County Cricket Club and is inviting local businesses to sponsor him and join him on one of the laps.
Mr James, who is the corporate and community fundraiser for Mind in Somerset, will walk 20 miles (32km) in total and has 25 sponsors so far.
BEN WARRENMind in Somerset said it supported 19,597 people in the county last year – with 590 accessing its crisis service.
Mr James said: “Our charity runs almost 60 different services but they all cost money – just the youth support group in Taunton alone costs us £10,000 to run each year.”
“We want to help everyone and make sure that anyone with a mental health problem has somewhere to turn,” he added.
If you’ve been affected by the issues raised in this report, the BBC Action Line has a list of organisations that may be able to help.
