FINANCIAL ADVICE TEAMDEMONSTRATES COMMITMENT TO MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT THROUGH CHARITY PARTNERSHIP
THE FINANCIAL ADVICE TEAM SUPPORTS KELLY FOUNDATION
Financial adviser Dave Southby, who set up his own business a mere two years ago, has pledged to raise £2,500. He’s raising it for Swindon based charity The Kelly Foundation. All with the support of his team of course.
In his work, Dave often observes the profound effects of financial stress and anxiety on mental well-being. Collaborating with charities has been integral to his business since its start. He demonstrated this commitment last year by raising over £1500 for MIND.
Now he’s working with another local charity set up in memory of Corrie and Kelly Stooke.
Established in 2022, The Kelly Foundation provides comprehensive mental health support to anyone aged over the age of 18, in the Swindon community. There’s a staggering statistic that one in four people will experience a mental health issue in their lifetime. So the Foundation’s mission to provide advocacy, counselling and life coaching is a crucial undertaking.
As financial advisers, we often engage with people experiencing financial stress and anxiety. This is why we’re trained mental health first aiders,’ said Dave.
FINANCIAL ADVICE TEAM SUPPORTS KELLY FOUNDATION – Dave Southby
Partnership
‘By partnering with The Kelly Foundation, we aim to make a tangible difference in the lives of local individuals. Individuals struggling with mental health issues in our community. This funding will be a direct contribution. It will provide 125 hours of essential support to individuals in need. That equates to twelve weeks of help for ten people.’
Operating at the Pinetrees Centre in Pinehurst, The Kelly Foundation has a commitment to supporting Swindon Borough Council’s health and wellbeing Strategy. It envisions a community where everyone can lead fulfilling and independent lives.
The Kelly Foundation
The Kelly Foundation’s formation stems from a tragic personal journey. A journey marked by the loss of Corrie Stooke, whose struggles with undiagnosed anxiety and depression led to his early death. Corrie’s sister, Kelly, inspired by her brother’s memory and her own encounters with mental health struggles, became an advocate for charities supporting individuals confronting similar adversities. But yet, in 2019, Kelly succumbed to her own inner turmoil, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy and compassion.
Their legacy lives on through The Kelly Foundation. The charity seeks to bridge the gaps in mental health support services. Recognising the limitations of traditional avenues, The Kelly Foundation offers a holistic approach. It addresses not only the symptoms but also the root causes of mental health struggles. From financial pressures to relationship breakdowns, The Kelly Foundation provides tailored support. One that guides individuals on a path to improved well-being and resilience.
‘We’re delighted that Dave Southby has adopted The Kelly Foundation this year as a charity they wish to support. Our pledge to them is that we’ll spend every penny they raise on improving the lives of those in distress or depression. People who ‘the system’ may have bypassed, failed or even neglected’ said John Stooke. John is the founder of The Kelly Foundation and father to Kelly and Corrie.
As part of his efforts, Dave will undertake the Thames Path Challenge in September. This physical challenge represents his dedication to going above and beyond. Dave is going the extra mile to support mental health initiatives. And of course to make a positive impact in the community.
I’m excited to embark on this journey with The Kelly Foundation. To contribute to their vital work means a lot’ added Dave. ‘Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing mental health challenges.’
Dave is a partner with St James’ Place. He helps individuals, families and small business owners to manage their wealth in an effective way.
The popular event, which will take place on Friday 24th May, includes brunch, a Stableford competition, a chipping competition and a beat-the-pro event. Following all that, in the evening, comes a dinner, prize-giving, auction and raffle. Last year’s event raised more than £10,000 for Hft.
Martin Gurney, tax partner at Haines Watt Swindon, said: ‘We’re delighted to be sponsoring this fabulous day for the fourth year running. It’s always a great fundraiser for a fantastic cause. And we’re grateful for the support of the local businesses and attendees who help us contribute to Hft in this way.’
The Haines Watts team who took part in and sponsored the 2023 Wrag Barn Charity Golf Day for the national charity Hft and will be doing the same this year.
Haines Watt Sponsors Charity Golf
About Hft
Martin Gurney, tax partner at Haines Watt Swindon, said: ‘We’re delighted to be sponsoring this fabulous day for the fourth year running. It’s always a great fundraiser for a fantastic cause. And we’re grateful for the support of the local businesses and attendees who help us contribute to Hft in this way.’
Hft is a charity that supports people in the UK who have learning disabilities by providing a range of person-centred services. These range from domiciliary care to day-centre learning activities. Their approach helps enable increased independence and confidence. That means each individual can live their best possible life.
Founded in 1962, the charity pioneered the idea that adults with learning disabilities have the right to make choices about their own lives. And of course the kinds of support they receive.
The annual golf day
This will be the 34th annual Wrag Barn Golf Day in aid of Hft. To date, the amount raised by the events have raised in the region of more than £200,000. The £10,467 raised by last year’s event alone supported three Hft projects:
The completion of a wellbeing centre at Hft’s Redcatch site.
The establishment of a new ‘Voices to be Heard’ group in Gloucestershire. That’s a forum through which those supported by Hft can air their views about the support they receive. Further, it allowes them to be a voice in the community, and make suggestions around the evolution of care and support.
Also the completion of a sensory room and summer house at Hft’s site in Cornwall.
The charity is very close to the hearts of those who take part in the annual fundraising event, including Wrag Barn directors Tim and Verity Manners.
Martin Gurney confirmed Haines Watts’ delight to be supporting their local community in this way. He hopes to match or even surpass the amount raised last year. That will add to the more than £30,000 they’ve raised through the events over the last three years.
We can’t wait to do what we can to increase that total,’ said Martin. ‘It’s a super day that’s always enjoyed by all who take part. So for it to be such a great fundraiser for Hft too, is so very rewarding. We’re honoured to be part of it and are looking forward to 24th May!’
Calling all Swindon Artists. On 22nd April, Swindon Open Studios will be opening their online registration for artists to take part in this year’s event.
The annual showcase is celebrating twenty years since it began. And it welcomes new artists to join them each year, with well over 100 artists participating in 2023. The event itself will be taking place over the weekends of 21st, 22nd and 28th, 29th September. Then, artists will open their studios, homes and exhibition spaces giving visitors a chance to meet the artist to see where and how they make their art.
Calling all Swindon Artists – Swindon Open Studios
Karis Rose, who first participated in 2022 said ‘I couldn’t recommend SOS enough for all artists. No matter what level you are at, whether it be a full-time job, side hustle or hobby. I owe Swindon Open Studios a lot as I wouldn’t be where I am now without them, and I made friends along the way.’
A Q&A
Any artists who would like to know if Swindon Open Studios is for them are invited to join the committee for an informal Q&A session at 7pm on Thursday 2nd May, at Swindon Rugby Club. There, they will take some of the mystery out of how it all works. There’s no need to book – simply come along.
You’ll find lots of helpful information on the Swindon Open Studios website including:
Blogs from artists who have participated including Karis
A list of venues available if artists are unable to open their own studio or home
And a newsletter sign up to ensure you receive all the latest information.
We welcome applications from visual artists aged 18+ living or working within a 15-mile radius of Swindon.
Lifetime Achievement Award for Paralympian. Local paralympic gold medallist, Chris Hunt Skelley, has won a lifetime achievement award at the Disability Sport Yorkshire Awards.
The announcement of the award, run by the Yorkshire Sport Foundation, came at a black-tie event held at Leeds United’s home ground, Elland Road, on 1st March.
The event saw eleven award presentations in total to celebrate achievements across disabled sport in Yorkshire. Chris (30) took home the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
Chris, who hails from Yorkshire and the Humber, says it thrilled him to attend the awards dinner in Leeds earlier this month. And to receive the honour.
‘It was wonderful to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Disability Sport Yorkshire Awards. I’m grateful to the Yorkshire Sport Foundation for awarding it to me,’ said Chris. ‘I work hard at judo because I love it. And because it’s a privilege to represent our great country nationally and internationally. To receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from a foundation that does so much to promote inclusion in sport is a real joy. And I’d like to thank the Foundation for the honour.’
Lifetime Achievement Award for Paralympian – Chris Hunt Skelley MBE, courtesy of Steve Biltcliffe Photography.
Gold at the Tokyo Games
Chris won gold at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo and is on track to represent Great Britain at the Paralympic Games in Paris later this year. He’s also named as one of five paralympic ambassadors for Path to Paris. That’s a programme from Team GB and Paralympics GB. And he’s previously been named as a top ten sports personality on the Disability Power 100 List. Chris received an MBE in 2022.
The Yorkshire Sport Foundation runs the Disability Sport Yorkshire Awards. It’s part of a network of forty-three Sport England National Lottery funded organisations across England. They’re responsible for connecting and influencing providers of sport and physical activity to increase the number and quality of opportunities for participation. The organisation promotes inclusivity in sport. It works across the region to help education around sport and access to physical activities for all groups. Chris says this is essential to encourage better inclusion across all sports and physical activity. He himself is an example of the positive effect that getting involved in sport can effect on a person’s life.
‘No one should feel locked out of an activity or a sporting ambition or that they might not be welcome because they have to navigate a particular condition or disability,’ says Chris. “It’s no exaggeration to say that judo has seen me through some of the most difficult and challenging times of my life. I owe so much to the sport that I don’t know where I’d be without it. No one should feel a barrier to something that can bring so much good to their lives.’
Ocular albinism
Chris is registered blind and lives with ocular albinism. OA is a rare genetic condition caused by the inability of pigment cells in the eyes to produce normal amounts of pigment. It results in visual disturbances such as blurred vision, difficulty with perceiving depth of field and sensitivity to bright lights. After hearing over again that there was nothing wrong with him, he finally received a diagnosis at the age of 19. That came when he travelled to the US to undergo intense testing of all his physical systems. He first took up judo at the age of 5 and has dedicated himself to the sport ever since. Chris took the gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2020. He credits judo with putting him on a path to success. And says that moments like award wins give him the opportunity to see his achievements in a broader context.
‘I’ve made huge sacrifices over the years and missed out on a lot to carry on training. Putting judo first and always pushing myself further to do well is part of the discipline. As a result, you become very single-minded with your focus. Recognition such as receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Disability Sport Yorkshire Awards feels a bit like coming up for air. I’m so grateful for the acknowledgement of success. But also to be able to show others living with disabilities that you can become exceptional in your chosen field. And that you don’t have to be held back because of the challenges you face. It’s a most important message to get out there.’
Chris is also winner of the UK Social Impact Award. He’s a sought-after speaker on the subjects of:
Building resilience
Living with a disability
And being a team player, as well as his own personal journey to becoming an elite athlete.
You’ve heard of the The 39 Steps? Well this is the tale of Malmesbury’s Waitrose steps! And Malmesbury Town Council celebrates victory as Waitrose steps finally reopen!
A flight of steps designed for use by shoppers at Malmesbury’s Waitrose has, at long last, undergone repair. They’re now re-open after a long-running campaign by the town council.
Councillors put pressure on the supermarket to reopen the steps. The point of them being to allow shoppers to exit the supermarket car park on foot and reach the bottom of Malmesbury High Street. Thus giving easy access to the town centre.
Malmesbury Town Council Victorious Steps reopen at Waitrose in Malmesbury. Mayor Cllr Gavin Grant and Waitrose partner Debbie Barnes with, from left, Edward and Janice James, Cllr Kim Power, Deputy Mayor Phil Exton and Cllr Campbell Ritchie.
Unsafe
Deemed unsafe, the steps have remained closed, barely without a break, since 2017. Despite this, some people were putting themselves at risk by trying to use them. Or even scrambling down the grassy bank to reach the High Street below.
Malmesbury Mayor Cllr Gavin Grant expressed delight that Waitrose had finally come good on its promise to repair the steps, and reopen them to shoppers.
‘Installed on a promise to Malmesbury to help our High Street, they’ve sat closed for the best part of seven years, following a failed safety inspection.
The John Lewis Partnership promised to repair them. But last year said their plan had changed and they were going to remove them altogether. That was unacceptable and would have broken their promise to Malmesbury.
Malmesbury residents Janice and Edward James, regular Waitrose shoppers who use the steps, said the reopening was ‘great news and a long time coming’.
Cllr Kim Power, who’s been liaising with Waitrose, added: ‘The steps are great for residents on foot. And also for those who wish to park there and after shopping at Waitrose, walk into town for other shops.
‘Yes, it’s been a long and often frustrating process with the property side of the company after the steps fell into such disrepair. Yet, we’ve always had an excellent relationship with our local Waitrose branch partners, many of whom are Malmesbury residents. They have been, and are, supportive of local charities and initiatives. And, along with our other supermarkets and smaller retailers, continue to provide a fantastic range of options for shopping in the town.’
