Waterlooville teenager Ella goes the extra mile to support mental health charity Mind

In March 2020 18-year-old Ella Palmer from Waterlooville ended up in hospital after struggling to cope with depression.

Ella said: ‘I had really bad depression and was really suffering. I had no motivation to do anything and kept pushing people away.

‘Thanks to the help and support I have received I am in a much better place now but there are a lot of people struggling with mental health, more so now with the pandemic where people can’t see friends for support.’

Throughout the month of March Ella has been taking part in a number of walks along the Meon Valley Trail and other routes around Wickham.

Ella, who works as a beauty therapist at Time To Be Me beauty salon in Petersfield, said: ‘I wanted to to do something in March because it was a year since I ended up in hospital.

‘I did some research and Mind seemed like a really good choice of charity who hep a lot of people with their mental wellbeing. This is something which is really close to my heart.

‘I have added to my mileage most days and each weekend I have been out and done a 10 mile walk.

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Ella’s GoFundMe page has so far raised £1,505.

She added: ‘I originally had a target of £100 but the response has been fantastic. It would now be great to reach £2,000.’

The mental health charity was set up in 1946 and provides support through ‘empowering people to understand their condition and the choices available’. This includes a support helpline and website service, legal support on health related law and campaigning to promote understanding and awareness of mental wellbeing.

Ella added: ‘Following my own experience my eyes have really opened up to how little help there is out there. I’ve been working really hard on my mental health, having help from different places and what I’ve realised over this year is how little help there is from the government for mental health.

‘I’m raising money to support Mind to help people who need an ear to listen to them and provide advice.’

If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article you can talk to your GP, phone 111 or text SHOUT to 85258.

Alternatively you can call the Samaritans on 116 123, email [email protected] or visit the website. There is also a list of local services available here.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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