My name is Joanne and I am Vice Chair of SHADE Self Help Against Depression and Anxiety. I have mental health issues which include anxiety and depression and have been on treatment for this for nearly 12 years. 

I am also however mum to 2 beautiful boys aged 3 and 6, happily married and living a full life. Alongside medication and the support of my family and friends SHADE has been a massive help to me and a constant support over the last few years. 

SHADE is a not for profit community group. The group is run by volunteers and it has now been providing support to people for 15 years. The group meets twice a week for group sessions. This allows SHADE to offer a free and confidential platform for people who have anxiety and depression to talk openly about their conditions, how they are managing this and how it effects their lives. SHADE members are able to listen to one another and provide support with empathy as we have all had experience of these conditions.

SHADE also organises community trips out and meals so that as a group we can socialise and develop supportive friendships. This also assists some of our members who are maybe isolated or struggle to get out in the local community to do new things.

SHADE attends many local events in order to provide information about anxiety and depression and increase awareness of the support that is available. 

SHADE is totally dependent on donations and money raised through fundraising. We have on occasion had some small grants from local community councils which we are very appreciative of. However, there are essential costs which we need to cover to enable the group to run one of these being rent for the hall. 

It is for this reason that some of my family and friends and I am doing a mud run with obstacles called the Dirty Dash in Usk on 9th July 2016 in order to raise funds. All the money raised will go directly to SHADE and will be spent to ensure the group continues to provide the essential support to its members.

The challenege will involve running a minimum 6k through a very muddy course and completing various obstacles on the way which includes crawling under barbed wire and climbing 10ft walls as well as swimming. 

Anything that you can give will be hugely appreciated and will provide direct benefit to those suffering from Anxiety and depression. Thank-you for taking the time to read my story.