Bungee Jump (300ft!)

It's closer than you think

Mental illness will effect 1 in 4 of us every year. That means that the chances are, you know someone who is suffering from a mental illness. Depression occurs in 1 in 10 adults or 10 per cent of the population in Britain at any one time and is just one of many of the broad range of mental disorders, including anxiety, anorexia nervosa, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and bipolar, to name just a few. 

Mental health disorders are not a choice and should not be treated as such -"Mental ill health feels just as bad, or worse, than any other illness – only you cannot see it."

Who we are: introducing MiLO

Minds Like Ours (affectionately name MiLO) is run by people of all ages, genders, races and nationalities. Our common denominator? We suffer from, have suffered from, or live with someone who has a mental health disorder. Our community is run by the people within it and aims raise awareness and break down the stigma associated with mental illness. 

We have already been been registered as a non-profit organisation and now need to raise £5,000 to register as a charity and continue to reach out to individuals suffering with, or living with someone who suffers from a mental illness.

Set up in the wake of the BBC series, It's a Mad World, Minds Like Ours has sprung up as a vibrant and supportive community. In just 10 days, our introductory video gained over 31,700 views and was retweeted by the likes of magician, Derren Brown, journalist, Alistair Campbell, and Jo Elvin, editor of Glamour Magazine to name but a few.

Why it matters to me

Having struggled with a mental health disorder (or multiple!) I understand how it important it is to have a community to offer support in times of crisis as well as in times of calm. Everyday is a rollercoaster and it falls upon those closest to me to give the help I need. The support offered by MiLO is invaluable, enabling those closest me to have some time off and also to speak to others who have been through similar experiences. Myself and my boyfriend, Benjamin Gledhill, are going to take the leap in the hope that, in doing so, we move one step closer to the £5,000 mark, at the same time, raising awareness of mental health and it affects on the family as well as the individual. 

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Statistics from the ONS, quote from Mind.