As this episode was recorded, it was Mental Health Week so for this one we thought we'd let Shropshire Mental Health Support take over. So joining Alex and Verity, we have Maree and Ruth (from Shropshire Mental Health Support) who have brought along a guest to speak to.

Our guest today is Helen Pritchard, who unfortunately lost her son Stephen to suicide in early January 2020, just one week after his 24th Birthday. To bear with the loss of a child is unthinkable and the grief attached to such a tragic event can be unbearable. Helen though, is sharing her journey with you today.

Helen discusses how she battled with the many emotions attached to grief at first, but is managing to approach things at a different angle. Setting herself the challenge of scaling 24 Peaks in the Lake District over two days to raise money for this great charity and help raise as much awareness about mental health as she can. Thanks to her two friends Sarah and Lindsay too.

In this episode you will hear about the importance of setting a challenge like this for Helen, how imperative it is to access the mental health services around you and how allowing yourself to grieve in the way that suits you best in the better way to deal with things.

Helen's challenge takes place on the 23rd and 24th August and we, as a show, encourage you to please donate what you can to this immense challenge. Here is the link to the Just Giving page attached - https://www.justgiving.com/page/helen-pritchard-1680179430105?utm_source=copyLink&utm_medium=one_page&utm_content=page/helen-pritchard-1680179430105&utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_term=db7c412048da43ffb79c225939bf6bc1

If you are not feeling the best version of you and are worried about lengthy waiting times, are waiting to undergo therapy or would just like to talk about your mental health please contact Shropshire Mental Health Support on 01743 368647.

Alternatively you can try:

Samaritans: 116123

Papyrus Suicide Prevention: 0800 0684141

Access Team: 0808 1964501