It has been a busy month already for the charity Heads Up, based in South Horrington, with thousands of pounds already being donated.

The charity had the privilege of meeting some of the members of Step in Time, Coxley Line Dancers on October 3.

They visited Heads Up to donate a cheque for £1,290 and have a look around our the service. They organised a number of line dancing events and Heads Up was their charity of choice for the money raised.

A massive thank you to trainers Colin Nash and Carolyn Smith, who ran a masterclass mental health awareness one-day course, in association with Heads Up, back in September. Courses are tailor-made to deliver required outcomes and those who attend learn to recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems, to develop knowledge to promote resilience and a mentally healthy workplace, to manage and support people who are experiencing mental health problems within the workplace and gain the confidence to manage and plan a successful return to work.

Colin and Carolyn are both highly qualified in the sphere of mental health, including senior levels in the NHS, local authorities and also a national mental health charity.

To learn more about the mental health training opportunities or to book a course, contact Claire Hak on [email protected].

Heads Up staff Bridget and Claire were privileged to receive an invitation for Peter Williams' 80th birthday party on the 21st September.

He celebrated in style with his friends and family at Coleford Royal British Legion. Peter kindly requested that friends and family make a donation to Heads Up rather than buy him a gift.

Peter's birthday party raised £420.18, which is amazing. Heads Up are very grateful for this donation, Peter and his family have supported the charity in a number of ways over the last year including a sponsored sky dive.

Heads Up celebrated World Mental Health Day on October 10 by offering Introduction to Mental Health First Aid taster sessions at the Heads Up Day Community Centre in South Horrington.

Mental Health First Aid is an accredited educational course which teaches people how to identify, understand and help a person who may be developing a mental health issue.

In the same way as we learn physical first aid, Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to recognise those crucial warning signs of mental ill health.

The sessions were very well attended, and included participants from a range of local GP surgeries, schools, and other organisations.

The course trainer, Vanessa Gordon, has worked in mental health for more than 30 years encompassing older people, child, adolescent, acute mental health, inpatient and community services.

She was the National Clinical Lead for NHS England Patient Safety for Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, until her recent retirement.

She now works for NHS England as a clinical reviewer for patients with learning disabilities, runs her own Mental Health First Aid training courses, and is a Heads Up trustee.

Vanessa also runs a two-day course, providing a more detailed and interactive programme of learning.

To find out more information about courses, phone Claire Hak (Heads Up fundraising officer) on 01749 670667, or email her at [email protected].

Bridget Harvey and Claire Hak from Heads Up were privileged to be invited for a ceremonial cheque presentation with the Wells Benevolent Lodge and Somerset Masonic Charity.

They were presented with a cheque for £1,500 for the Heads Up Training Room. This fantastic donation will enable the charity to provide the highest quality mental health training experience for the local community.

The Binegar and Gurney Slade Social Group (BAGS) are holding a Craft Fair at Binegar Hall on Saturday November 16 from 1.30pm to 4pm.

Heads Up will be one of the many stalls, selling a range of woodwork and craft items made by Heads Up clients and volunteers. Everyone is welcome.