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Hallowe'en paddleboard raises awareness of mental health support available from Newbury charity Eight Bells for Mental Health




There were spooky scenes on the canal recently as witches, zombies and even a scary rabbit took to the water – but all for a good cause.

More than 25 paddleboarders came together for a Hallowe’en-themed paddle in a bid to raise money and awareness of the services on offer from Newbury charity Eight Bells for Mental Health.

The group - all in fancy dress and led by organiser and mum-of-three Sam Tillotson, who set up Facebook group SUP Buddies West Berkshire two years ago - set off from behind Tesco on London Road and paddled along the canal into Newbury.

Halloween SUP raised awareness and funds for Eight Bells for Mental Health
Halloween SUP raised awareness and funds for Eight Bells for Mental Health

They were greeted at the Teashop by the Canal in The Wharf by members of Eight Bells, Newbury mayor Billy Drummond, deputy mayor and trustee of the charity Gary Norman, and the charity’s chair of trustees Gary Cook.

Andrea Barrett, coordinator for Eight Bells Community Strength - a programme set up in June last year - said it had been an “amazing” event.

“It was fantastic; really, really lovely,” she added. “Sam shared our donation page and we have had about £150, which is match funded by Greenham Trust.

The Hallowe'en event ended in The Wharf, where paddleboards were met by Newbury mayor Billy Drummond, members of Eight Bells and others
The Hallowe'en event ended in The Wharf, where paddleboards were met by Newbury mayor Billy Drummond, members of Eight Bells and others

“They all looked amazing and our members thought they looked fantastic too.

“It was about raising awareness about what is available in Newbury and how we can support anyone with mental illness.

“We have a drop in service and Eight Bells Community Strength is about supporting people who may be lonely or isolated, to get them out joining community activities."

Mrs Tillotson said paddleboarding was a "great way to chat, escape the pressures and worries of the world and be at one with nature".

Halloween paddleboarding
Halloween paddleboarding

“I am passionate about the benefits of health and mental well-being that this offers,” she added. “For our Hallowe’en paddle I decided to support and promote Eight Bells for Mental Health, which is a small local charity, who do not get any funding and rely on volunteers and donations.

“This charity supports anyone suffering from social isolation, depression or anxiety.

“My passion, from my own experience, is to not be afraid to talk. Whether it’s walking, running, swimming, the great outdoors and nature is a brilliant tonic for coping with the daily stress and worries of life, especially during these difficult times.”

Halloween paddleboarding
Halloween paddleboarding

The event also gave a second local organisation a chance to spread awareness of what it can also do to help those struggling with their mental health.

Recovery in Mind helps people gain the tools and skills to improve their mental health through a range of free courses.

Its founder, Angela Ryan, said: “Support from local individuals and groups is essential to reduce the stigma and isolation caused by poor mental health.

Halloween paddleboarding
Halloween paddleboarding

“I know from my own personal experience that if we can be open and honest about our difficulties then we are in a better place to help ourselves and support others.

“The Hallowe’en paddle also brought our communities together and offers hope that things are opening up around the conversations around mental health and wellbeing.”

SUP Buddies West Berkshire, which has just under 650 members, is free and open to anyone, of any ability and is child and doggie friendly.

Halloween paddleboarding
Halloween paddleboarding
Halloween paddleboarding
Halloween paddleboarding
Halloween paddleboarding
Halloween paddleboarding
Halloween paddleboarding
Halloween paddleboarding


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