We are pleased to announce that our Annual General Meeting will be held on 15th June at:
The Old Courthouse
Jaycroft Road
Burnham on Sea
TA8 1LE
10.30am start and all are very welcome. Please do contact us if you would like more information.
So the Manchester Marathon was everything I expected it to be and some. I am so so proud to confirm that I crossed the line of the 26.2 mile course in a time of 4 hours, 5 minutes and 56 seconds.
First 20 miles went exactly to plan, in fact if I’m honest, I committed the cardinal sin of going off to quickly and well, the last 6.2 miles were unbelievably tough, yep I hit the wall! Cramp, fatigue, self doubt and all of that – it really is as tough as everyone says. Fortunately there was also a wall of noise down those last few miles that really did carry me through, as well as an attitude that I was not going to back down from what I signed up for. Resilience is something I have gained in my life, as we all do. On the day I was able to tap into that and safely finish. Thank you Manchester for such a special day.
The utter elation of crossing the line I cannot describe but personally for me and those close to me, it was very special!
So now after some rest, I will be turning my attention to the Great Bristol Run – returning to where it all started last September. The fundraising pay remains open, you are reading this after all!
So hopefully you will support me to run for Somewhere House Somerset and support the community in the process, and in doing so – you may just change someone’s life for the better. Remember every penny raised is going directly to supporting those in need. Click here to sponsor me!
Don’t forget to gift aid!
Rob x
Firstly this is time to say thank you to everyone who supported me on the last adventure and those who were there on the day – The Great Bristol Run, on 25th September 2022 was a truly magical day. Those last few miles were so tough and emotions ran high for me but what support I had. A day I will remember forever.
So, my passion for running continues – so a big step up to (hopefully) run my first Marathon. 26.2 miles or 42.2km
I have been running now since February 2021. This is something that even I find remarkable that I am able to do. If you look at the evidence? An acute addiction to prescription painkillers, in 2008 lasting 6 years, with 5 knees operations on my right knee after I ruptured my ACL. It is very clear how close to the edge I was in that time and there was chaos and alongside an acute addiction, poor mental health and just not coping with life.
I have been to rehab, the same one that I now work at and I am proud to say this. Did they save my life? Yes, alongside my family – undeniably. So now it’s great that I get to work at the same place that helped me and support people to turn their lives around, just like was done for me., Paying it forward and all that.
9 years later, 45 years of age, sober, happy and life is good, in fact it’s really good.
Then there is the charity that I am also on the board of trustees for. Somewhere House Somerset, the beneficiary of this fundraising, that I am a trustee of. I believe in supporting our local community providing counselling and support to anyone in our local area, that needs it, for as long as they need it. What’s more we just ask for people to donate what they can afford to their sessions. If that’s 50p, then that’s ok.
So every penny raised will be going to this amazing charity, again something that I am so proud to be part of. The amazing team of qualified counsellors, volunteers and my fellow board members. They are remarkable people. We see over 140 clients a week. Fundraising efforts like this will help to continue the work we do.
So about the challenge A marathon – really I have said to myself time and time again? Well yes, I am going to do this and run 26.2 miles/42.2km around the city of Manchester, or try to anyway! Both physically and mentally, first and foremost I am under no illusions that the Manchester Marathon is going to be very very challenging. The fatigue, the cramp, the endless miles, the dreaded ‘wall’ will need to be climbed over. But I want to know what it’s like to get over that line and in the process hopefully raise loads of money to help others. This is a journey for me and with all funds raised, for those who benefit too.
Paula Radcliffe has said that ‘Everything you want to know about yourself, you will find out during the course of running a 26.2 mile marathon’
The marathon is on the 17th April – so it is THIS SUNDAY!!
Hopefully you will support me to run for Somewhere House Somerset and support the community in the process, and in doing so – you may just change someone’s life for the better. Remember every penny raised is going directly to supporting those in need.
Don’t forget to gift aid! Sponsor me by clicking here
Rob x
Our founded and Chair of the Board, Angie Clarke recently attended an event at the Bath and West Showground.
The day focused on equality and unity.Looking at the challenges that women face in business, how this has changed and Angie spoke about her life, some of the challenges she has faced and how she has overcome everything to have her own successful business and consultancy company. The reality being that by being determined and taking responsibility for self, literally anything is possible.
Angie is also the author of “S**t Creek to Somewhere Else – well worth a read! Click here to order your copy.
HPC Community Fund is managed by Somerset Community Foundation to help local communities mitigate the impacts of Hinkley Point C and maximise the opportunities that arise from the development for the communities (in Somerset) through schemes, measures and projects which promote the economic, social or environmental well-being of those communities and enhance their quality of life.
Well we wrote a grant application for this fund, to support those who access our service do just as it says above and we were successful!
This is a 3 year deal that will provide and target support to those in need and help to mitigate the impacts of the HPC development.
Huge thanks to the team at HPC and Somerset Community Foundation as well as the team here who wrote the bid.
We’re excited and delighted to announce the Mayor of Burnham and Highbridge, Counsellor Lesley Millard is hosting a Gala Dinner in support of Somewhere House Somerset. Tickets are limited so come and join us on what will be a very special, fun evening celebrating her leadership and also the work of the charity! See you there!
The SWHS Team
Happy New Year to anyone reading this. We have, as ever, lots of plans going forward – a charity ball, fundraising events, one of the trustees running his first marathon for the charity, quizzes and some exciting other stuff we can’t talk about just yet!
Yes the books are currently closed but we are working through the waiting list and hope this will not take too long!
Thanks for everyone’s support and if you want to help the charity, we would love to hear from you, please drop us an email! info@somewherehousesomerset.org
The SWHS team x
Massive thanks to Studio Essence, who raised over £2000 for our charity at a recent event.
This was attended by 2 reps from Somewhere House Somerset
The money raised will provide 100 hours of counselling and support, from trained professionals, to those who need it.
Thanks again to all who attended and donated!
After a long absence due to the Covid Pandemic, this week we are returning to a local school to deliver an educational talk on substance misuses, the dangers of and ‘what happens if’
It will be frank and honest, with no subject off limits. Sometimes the harsh reality of real life testimony that the students will hear this week, can provide the kickstart for someone to make positive changes in their life, or turn in a different healthy direction
26th November, save the date! Burnham on Sea Baptist Church, College Street, 11am – 1pm
All are welcome and there will be a number of stalls on the day, as well as festive drinks, food and maybe even a carol or 2!
Do come down and say hello, entry is free and it’s a great place to meet new people and catch up with friends.
