In October we held a live concert on behalf of The High Sherriff of Mid Glamorgan, Professor Jean White.
The Office of High Sheriff is an independent non-political Royal appointment for a single year. The origins of the office date back to Anglo-Saxon times, when the ‘Shire Reeve’ was responsible to the king for the maintenance of law and order within the shire, or county, and for the collection and return of taxes due to the Crown.
In addition, High Sheriffs actively lend support and encouragement to crime prevention agencies, the emergency services and to the voluntary sector. Many High Sheriffs also assist Community Foundations and local charities working with vulnerable and other people both in endorsing and helping to raise the profile of their valuable work. High Sheriffs receive no remuneration and no part of the expense of a High Sheriff’s year falls on the public purse.
Professor Jean White, High Sherriff of Mid Glamorgan has selected Cwm Taf Morgannwg Mind as her charity of the year and decided to host this event in aid of men’s mental health, with all proceeds going to the her nominated charity.
“Men’s mental health issues have been on the rise over a number of years and sadly still holds a strong stigma, which results in men failing to open up about their mental health.” – Jean White
Jean has been supporting us at Cwm Taf Morgannwg Mind since her duties began as High Sherriff, attending events, visiting staff and clients and of course, holding events in aid of the charity.
Planning for this event took place a few months before as we met with Jean White & Barry Doughty (Mayor of Pencoed) at Pencoed Social Club. We went through all of the graphics for the programme which was created in house, sourced raffle prizes, approached participants and signed off on an event which brought a smile to everyone in attendance.
The event brought us live music from Cowbridge Male Voice Choir and special guest Natasha John, plus guest speakers including our very own CEO Daisy Cole, and Dave Williams from Reel Minds.
We started the evening with a warm welcome from Jean White and the compere Jon Wilkes who gave a special thanks to everyone in attendance, including the artists, guest speakers and volunteers for making the event possible. Which in turn raised over £2000, which will be used to cover 47 counselling sessions for men in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg area.
We owe a special thanks to Jean White and Barry Doughty for helping organise the event, Pencoed Social Club for providing free use of their venue, sponsors Masonic Benevolent Fund, Dewi Griffiths Distinctive Jewellery LTD, Ilesbus (Bridgend), and Maesteg Womens Institute for their generous donations, not forgetting our Volunteers of the night including Guinness World Record Holders Sue & Sam Taylor.
We aim to hold more events like this in the future in hope to spread more awareness of the work we do to support as many people as we can in the Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf areas.
If you would like to host an event for us then please contact us at fundraising@ctmmind.org.uk