Fundraising Update

We have had a few fantastic fundraisers this month, from golf days to sporting dinners across the
South of England. The work on these has generated over £10,000 of income, which makes a massive difference to what we are doing.
​
This kind of money means we can help in a number of areas:

• Support 6 veterans back into society

• Put 10 people through addiction therapy

• Provide 200 hours of counselling

• Support the growth of our Walk N Talk Wednesday groups across the South West

• Provide guidance, signposting and well-being support to people going through difficult times

• Continue creating safe spaces where people feel listened to, supported and less alone
​

A huge thank you also goes to the incredible people and organisations currently fundraising for
Best Mates.
​

This month, we have seen support from:

• FORE Business Swindon Golf Network,

• Nigel Rivers, who has completed the challenge of climbing to Everest Base Camp,

• Sherelyn Cowles, our Melksham Walk N Talk Leader, who completed a 100km Ultra Marathon
along the Jurassic Coastal Path

• The team involved in the 52km over 52 weeks Swim Challenge.
​

These challenges take commitment, determination and belief in what we are doing as a charity.
​
Every mile walked, climbed or swam helps us continue supporting people through difficult times and ensures nobody has to face life’s toughest moments alone.

Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Health Awareness Week was an incredibly busy and positive week for Best Mates, with talks delivered into businesses and community events across the region to help raise awareness around mental health, wellbeing and the importance of support networks.

A huge thank you to everyone who welcomed us, supported us and helped spread the
Best Mates message.
​

The week included:

• Hera Team Talk, along with a thank you for their continued support and clothing donations, which continue to help raise vital funds

• Swindon Home Finders Team Talk and their fantastic £1 per mile challenge involving the whole team

• Moovahome for supporting Best Mates during their Landlord Networking Night

• Supporting the community at Swindon Park Run

• Team talks delivered to Swindon & Gloucester Mind, Thames Water and GWR
​

Every conversation helps break down barriers around mental health and reminds people that they do not have to face difficult times 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 we saw 105 people use the service across the 6 groups

Mates & Volunteers

As Best Mates continues to grow, so does the need for good people who want to make a difference.

This month, we are putting a huge focus on finding more “Mates” and volunteers to help us continue supporting people across our communities.

A Mate is not a counsellor or therapist. A Mate is somebody with lived experience, someone who understands life’s challenges through their own journey and can offer support, understanding and guidance without judgement. Sometimes just knowing somebody else understands can make all the difference.

We are also looking for volunteers who can help behind the scenes and at events. There are so many ways people can support Best Mates, whether that’s:

• Supporting at events and fundraising activities

• Helping with Walk N Talk Wednesdays

• Assisting with operational and admin support

• Helping promote Best Mates within the community

• Supporting social media, awareness campaigns and outreach

• Using personal or business connections to help us grow

You do not need professional qualifications to help, just compassion, commitment and the willingness to support others.

The reality is simple. The more support we have behind the charity, the more people we can help.

If you would like to become a Mate, volunteer, fundraiser or supporter, we would love to hear from you. Together, we can continue building safe spaces, strong communities and support networks for people who need them most.

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 28th May 2026, showing how your support is changing lives.