Read-A-Thon for Mental Health Awareness

There Is Something I Can Do: Why I’m Reading for Mental Health Awareness

Hi everyone, my name is Shar, and I’m so glad you’re here🖤🫂.

As someone who is passionate about advocating for mental health and wellbeing, raising awareness is at the core of so many things that I do. Over time, as I began sharing more openly about mental health on Instagram, something powerful happened: people started reaching out, and opening up about their own struggles. Those posts sparked conversations that proved just how desperately we need space to talk, listen, and support one another.

Beyond what I do, books have always been my personal safe haven. When life feels overwhelming, getting lost in a story is how I often ground myself, and regain clarity.

On October 10th (World Mental Health Day), I’m combining these two pillars of my life by completing a Readathon to raise critical funds for Mental Health.

| The Reality We Are Facing |

This event isn't just a personal challenge…it is a stand for a cause that urgently needs our collective support. The statistics behind mental health in the UK reveal a sobering reality:

• 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience suicidal thoughts or a mental health condition in their lifetime.
• Suicide remains the leading cause of death for young adults under the age of 35 in the UK.

These are not just numbers; they represent our friends, family members, colleagues, and neighbors. Mental illness isolates people, but organizations like Mental Health UK provide life-saving resources, crisis support, and community networks to ensure no one has to suffer in silence.

| How You Can Support My Readathon |

• Donate: Every contribution directly funds Mental Health UK’s crucial intervention programs and systemic work to break the stigma around mental illness.
• Recommend a Book: Leave your top book recommendations in your donation comment. I’m curating a reading list specifically for October 10th and want your input!
• Share: Sharing this fundraiser page with your network helps extend our reach and impact.

| Frequently Asked Questions |

“Why a Readathon?”

Reading requires presence, pause, and focus - qualities essential for protecting our mental health. Turning a practice that brings comfort into a tool to raise support for others feels like the most meaningful way to honor World Mental Health Day.

“How long will you be reading on October 10th?”

I’ll be dedicating the entire day to working through as many books from the community-recommended reading list as possible, sharing live updates, thoughts, and progress on social media throughout the day.

“Where does my donation go?”

100% of the funds raised go directly to Mental Health UK to support their helpline operations, local support groups, educational initiatives, and workplace wellbeing programs across the country.

“Can I participate even if I can't donate?”

Absolutely! Sharing this page, recommending a book, or pledging to dedicate time to your own mental wellbeing on October 10th are all meaningful ways to participate.

Thank you for your support, your generosity, and your commitment to prioritising mental health and spreading awareness. Together, we can ensure that help is accessible when it is needed most.

Our stories are not yet over🖤❤️‍🩹.

Shar x