London to Brussels Bicycle Ride

This month we saw 9 riders embark on a physical and mental challenge as they cycled from London to Brussels. Setting out from Hyde Park they headed to Harwich one day one, covering 88 miles of towns, countryside and HILLS! They all made it safely and in good time and on to the ferry for the overnight sailing to Hoek of Holland.

Day 2 was a short day as they took the North Sea Costal Path up through The Hague and into Amsterdam with a relatively early finish in order to enjoy the delights of the Dutch capital. Everyone was still in great sprits at this point and a few took an evening trip into the city.

On day 3, the riders cycled out of Amsterdam and down to Breda, via Gouda and taking in Rotterdam on the way. This is where things got challenging as the rain came and the temperature dropped. But in true Best Mates fashions, when some of the team struggled, they rallied and saw out the day. A wonderful display of teamwork on show at this point.

The final day was the journey down to Brussels via the brewery in Antwerp. The weather was kind, spirits were up and more to the point, everyone had stayed upright……at this point. After the lunch stop at the brewery, and one or two of Antwerp’s finest ales, they had just a few hours to go to their finish point at Grand Place. It was a tricky ride in to the square as Mark found out. A tourist came out of nowhere and gave Mark a very untimely and a little painful nudge on to the concrete. But in true Mark fashion, he gets straight up and carries on!!!

308 miles and they all arrived safely. What made the trip even more special was the fact that we had two beneficiaries on the ride with. They got to see first hand what Best Mate is about, and what goes into events like this.

The team’s fundraising pages to date have generated just over £17,000 which is a tremendous amount of money that will change countless lives.

A special mention has to go to our support crew who make the trip safe and organised for all the riders. Huge thanks to Paul Howlett, Karen Howlett and Andy Hughes for giving up their time for the week, and long before that in the planning.

The Community Impact Round Table

Best Mates recently hosted a Community Impact Round Table, bringing together local organisations, businesses and community leaders to discuss the challenges facing people across our communities and how we can work together to provide meaningful support.

The session created open and honest conversations around mental health, loneliness, financial hardship, addiction, family pressures and access to support services. More importantly, it highlighted the power of collaboration and the difference that can be made when organisations work together rather than in isolation.

As Best Mates continues to grow, these discussions play an important role in helping us understand local needs, identify gaps in support and build stronger partnerships that ultimately benefit the people who need us most.

Scott Media Announces 12 Month Pro Bono Partnership

We are delighted to have entered into a 12 month pro bono partnership with Scott Media, a Swindon-based public relations agency with a strong reputation for supporting local causes.

Over the next year, Scott Media will be helping Best Mates raise awareness of the work we do, the impact we create and the support available to people who may be struggling. Their expertise will help us reach new audiences, share more beneficiary stories and increase understanding of our services across the region.

As a charity, access to professional support of this nature is incredibly valuable. We are grateful to the team at Scott Media for choosing Best Mates as their community partner and look forward to working together throughout the year ahead.

Supporting NHS Social Subscribers

Co-founder, Jeff Tucker, has recently been delivering presentations to Social Subscribers within the NHS, helping raise awareness of the challenges many people face outside of the workplace and the importance of having accessible support available when life becomes difficult.

The presentations focus on the Best Mates journey, the charity's lived experience model and the importance of creating safe spaces where people can talk openly without judgement. They also highlight the support services available through Best Mates, including our Mate Programme, Walk 'N' Talk groups and funded counselling support where appropriate.

These sessions provide an opportunity to connect with NHS teams, share experiences and reinforce the message that nobody should have to face life's toughest moments alone.

Supporting Businesses, People and Communities Through TR Health

Co-founder Jeff Tucker has recently partnered with TR Health to help businesses and individuals access Private Medical Insurance through WPA Healthcare.

This initiative not only helps people gain access to healthcare support when they need it most, but also creates an additional fundraising stream for Best Mates. For every eligible policy taken out through a Best Mates introduction, the charity can receive a donation of up to £100.

Partnerships like this demonstrate how businesses can make a positive impact beyond their own organisation. By supporting the wellbeing of their people, they are also helping Best Mates continue providing guidance, support and access to services for individuals facing difficult times.

It is a great example of businesses, communities and charities working together to create a wider social impact, helping us continue our mission of ensuring nobody has to face life's toughest moments alone.

Walk ‘N’ Talk Update

Our Walk ‘N’ Talk Wednesdays continue to grow across the region and we are seeing more and more people attend each week looking for connection, conversation and support in a safe and welcoming environment.

As the groups continue to expand, we are now looking for more Walk ‘N’ Talk Leaders and volunteers who would like to either:

• Start their own Walk ‘N’ Talk group within their community

• Help support existing groups

• Assist with registrations, welcoming attendees and group support

• Become part of the growing Best Mates support network

You do not need to be a professional counsellor or therapist. What matters most is compassion, reliability and the willingness to help create a positive and supportive environment for others.

Walk ‘N’ Talks are making a genuine difference to people who may be struggling with loneliness, mental health challenges or simply needing someone to talk to. With more leaders and volunteers, we can continue expanding these groups and helping even more people across our communities.

If you would like to get involved or find out more about starting a Walk ‘N’ Talk in your area, we would love to hear from you.

This month saw: 91 people use our services across the 6 groups

For more details and to sign up to any of our events, please click the button below.

Here’s a snapshot of the impact we’ve made together up to 25th June 2026, showing how your support is changing lives.