Swindon MP supporting mental health hub's 'life-changing' work
Will Stone faces a pro MMA fighter today on behalf of the Kelly Foundation
A mental health hub in Swindon has told us the support of their local MP is vital for them as he prepares for a Jiu-Jitsu bout this afternoon to raise money for them.
Will Stone, MP for Swindon North, is facing pro MMA fighter Matt Inman on behalf of the Kelly Foundation.
The charity was set up by John Stooke after he lost both his children to poor mental health.
Emma Rees from the charity told us he's living up to a pre-election promise to get behind mental health.
"Will is an absolute massive supporter of our charity and he is a huge supporter of mental health and he knows the challenges we face," she said.
Emma told us that North Swindon has the biggest problem with mental health issues in the whole Borough, with the highest rate of men taking their own lives.
She said it shows Mr Stone's compassion for people battling mental health.
"He knows that we want to make a difference, he too wants to make a difference, and before he became MP, he promised that if he came into administration he would get behind mental health and make a difference in Swindon."
The MP's bout will support the charity's 'life-changing' work as they support 68 people every week.
"Every £20 that is donated to the charity supplies one week of therapy for an individual recovering from mental health illness," Emma said, adding: "It seems like such a small amount, but actually, for that individual to have 10 weeks of support, could actually be life changing."
Founder John told us they're always there for people struggling with mental health.
"Mental health never goes away. It's not like stubbing your toe or breaking your finger, it doesn't go away like that. People are always prone to knockbacks, but if they do get further problems, they can come back to us. We don't ever close cases as such."