My name is Joanne and I am completing the 12 kilometer Dirty Dozen mud run and extreme obstacle course in Usk, June 2016 in order to raise money for SHADE.  

I have a diagnosis of Depression and Anxiety. Although I am now in a very good place in my life, happy being mum to my two young children and back at work this was not always the case. For many years I battled with my depression and anxiety and this effected all parts of my life. When I was very low I was able to access SHADE and this group really helped in my recovery.

SHADE is a self-help group for people who have depression and anxiety. They support people through twice weekly meetings where people can come and talk in an open, friendly and safe environment. Through talking therapy, relaxation treatments and social activities people are able to share in their experiences and provide information about things that they have found helpful. SHADE also provides a great platform for people who may be isolated and allows them to make new friends and re-connect with their community.

SHADE is totally dependent on the funds which people very kindly donate and small community grants. There is no charge for the service and we do not want to start charging people for the sessions because we want to make sure that SHADE is accessible to anyone who needs the support. This is why I am doing this event to raise funds so that the group can continue to provide the alternative therapies and courses which will help people on the road to recovery.

As a small local community group we need all the funds we can get in order to make sure that this group continues and grows as the need for it is so vital. All the monies raised will go directly towards activities that will help people in the group achieve greater wellbeing. All members who help run the group do this voluntarily and no one takes any payment for this.

SHADE was an essential part of my own recovery and I want to raise funds to make sure that it continues to help as many people as possible. Mental health services currently are very limited and this is an essential service which needs your support. Thank you for reading my story and any donations big or small are very much appreciated.