Hello me old chums. Hope you are well?

Now, you’ve possibly seen a little about this if you follow me on Facebook or Twitter however I wanted to let those that follow my blog know about an exciting challenge that I am undertaking in 2016.

It’s called the All Counties Craft Challenge.

What is that?

I am organising a charity fund raising challenge in aid of Mind, a mental health charity based in the UK, which will see me leave the security and certainty of my home behind and spend just over a year visiting each and every county in the United Kingdom whilst living in, teaching workshops in, crafting in and blogging/vlogging from a campervan.

The idea has already been pitched to Mind and they have accepted me as a volunteer fund raiser and provided me with a range of tools and materials to help get me going, but I still need your help to make this happen and make positive change to lives that have been affected by mental health issues.

Why am I doing it?

It is fair to say that my own life has been turned upside down by mental health issues in recent years, with severe depression and general anxiety disorder making day-to-day life a real struggle, but Mind were there for me and have been an outstanding resource and support mechanism through it all.

I am therefore doing this in order to give something back and to help others who have been affected by similar issues.

As an added bonus I would also hope to be able to share the calming, focusing and ultimately beneficial properties of a creative hobby along the way.

Can you help?

As I mentioned, I need help. I am usually too proud to ask for it, but there it is. A simple request.

Probably the biggest obstacle to getting this on the road will be the campervan but there are also smaller on-going costs that will be incurred.

Whilst I plan to fund the day-to-day costs with profits from my small business and from sales of artwork (created along my journey) and workshops that I will host in the van my personal up front capital is exceptionally limited – basically zero. Not even a car to part-exchange for the van.

I am therefore looking to see if there is anyway that you can help.

FUNDING NOW CLOSED

If a financial contribution is not possible then even just sharing this page on your Facebook or Twitter accounts would be equally appreciated. Tell your friends, family – basically anyone that will listen :)

It’s up to you which you do but without you, I can’t do this. The old lyric, “I get by with a little help from my friends” has never been so relevant.

Do you get anything in return for your help?

My word yes!

All donations will receive my sincere gratitude and the undeniable satisfaction that you have helped a fantastic cause.

Some specific ‘rewards’ have also been created – there are framed mini artworks and also places on workshops available.

£15 gets you a framed mini line art drawing that I will make whilst on tour – these will be a limited edition series.

£30 gets you a place in a group workshop in the van. Workshops will be organised by county and groups will be a maximum of three people per workshop and two workshops per week so these too are limited – be the first to book!

£50 gets you a 1-2-1 workshop with me in the van.

A variety of genres and techniques can be covered in a campervan – perhaps if you missed it because you were too far away we could do the country scene creative stamping workshop that I ran recently; ultimately we’ll just have fun whatever we do, ok?

I’ll even throw in drinks and snacks throughout the day – it’ll be like a mini adventure for us all!

In the cooler months, or if you’ve a group of more than three, I can always arrange to carry out the workshop indoors – a local hall or a local craft shop – get in touch and let’s talk.

If these rewards don’t tickle your fancy but you have an idea that’s not listed and want to discuss it before making your donation – then please get in touch!

When is this happening?

I would ideally like to start this journey as early in 2016 as possible so contributions/social media shares/awareness need to start asap!

I know that it’s a big ask with Christmas just around the corner however I that’s the point of using a crowd funding website – many hands make light work of a big job and I believe that together we can make this happen – pound by great British pound!

What happens at the end of the tour?

Well, many things could happen – a year is a long time after all.

The most likely thing is that the van, purchased with the contributions, will be sold and the funds invested in it released and donated to Mind – it seems the most logical thing to conclude the journey.

Final Thoughts

If you, a family member or a friend has been affected by mental health issues then please help support me with this campaign and help me to help Mind continue their sterling work at providing support for those with mental health issues.

Thank you for taking the time to read and please accept my sincerest thanks in advance of all help.

The website address for donations is FUNDING NOW CLOSED

As always, if you have any comments or questions about this post then please feel free to use the comments section below. Also, If you know of anyone that would appreciate reading this post, there are handy sharing icons below.

I’ll see you again soon!

J :)