On 13 April, Triangulate ran their first event for local employers to discuss issues around mental health.  Held in the Town Hall it attracted attendees from a range of businesses in the town and farther afield. The audience of 40 including the Town Mayor, Cllr John Ray, the Town Mayor Elect, Cllr Mike Curtis and Sandra Gidley, Lib-Dem Parliamentary Candidate were welcomed to the event by Chamber of Commerce President, Ruth Gower-Smith. Other organisations attending the employer event included representatives from Solent Mind, JobcentrePlus and the NHS Foundation Trust.

Richard Frost from Mindful Employer led the evening. Most attendees had not previously heard of this initiative and were interested to hear from Richard what support there is for employers. Ian Cox spoke about signing the company he works for up to Mindful Employer and why he feels it is an important step both for the company and the employees.  Following the presentations attendees were able to have more discussions on issues they are facing in their workplaces. These were wide-ranging and led to lively comment and feedback.

Left to right: Cllr Mike Curtis, Bridget Brook, Sandra Gidley, Cllr John Ray
Ruth Gower-Smith and Richard Frost (Mindful Employer)

This event was supported by the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health and funded by Big Lottery Funding.

(Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health is now the Centre for Mental Health)

Matt Brook ran  the Virgin London Marathon for the third consecutive year, finishing in 4 hours and 5 minutes. As at mid-May he has raised the amazing amount of £3300 (including gift aid) to support the work of Mind, the leading mental health charity. Many thanks to everyone – and if you still want to sponsor him please go to www.justgiving.com/mattbrookmarathon

Matt Brook, David Hewett and Bridget Brook were invited to a royal reception at St James’ Palace in recognition of their fund-raising and support for Mind, the leading mental health charity.

The reception celebrated 40 years of royal patronage by HRH Princess Alexandra and more than 60 years of Mind campaigning for good mental health for all. Mind’s president Lord Bragg gave an inspiring speech on Mind’s work tackling the stigma and taboo of mental health.

Matt, David and Bridget were able to speak with HRH Princess Alexandra about their fund-raising and the setting up of the charity Triangulate in Romsey to promote awareness of mental health issues in the workplace.

Bridget gave a talk on the setting up of Triangulate to the St Swithun’s and Romsey Abbey Womens’ Group – lots of questions were asked by the audience of almost 50.

We were invited to attend the Mind Annual Awards, held at the Institute of Architecture in London in May. Presentations were made by Lord Melvyn Bragg, President of Mind. The Mind Champion of the Year award was given to Alistair Campbell in recognition of his outstanding contribution to increasing understanding of mental health.

Bridget, Matt, Nick, Meghann and David at the Mind awards

Our sincere thanks go to everyone who supported Matt Brook and David Hewett in their marathon effort in April and for all the support you gave along the way. The money has now all been collected and we are delighted to report that £10,898 was raised to support the work of Mind, one of the leading mental health charities. Once gift aid is added the total comes to a staggering £13,200.

We are overwhelmed with the response from so many people – friends, colleagues and so many people who believe this is a cause worth running for – to every one of you thank you very much.

The day itself was quite amazing with thousands lining the route. The weather was warmer than the runners would have liked and with David’s knee still playing up, the decision was made to set a fastwalking pace – and so fast was it that the finishing line was reached in 4 hrs and 54 mins!

David and Matt proudly display their Marathon medals!