Cricket fun day raises thousands to support NHS mental health services

Teams from the NHS, Sussex Police, Hastings Direct and Bexhill Cricket Club took part in a charity cricket day on 4 September which raised £2678 to support suicide prevention projects in Sussex.

The event, hosted at Bexhill Cricket Club, was in aid of Heads On, the charity of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust which provides mental health and learning disability services across South East England.

The event saw Sussex Police come out on top after six exciting matches, with the NHS team runners up. There was a great turnout from the local community who enjoyed a line-up of fun activities for all the family including glitter face painting, a bouncy castle, a band, BBQ and raffle. Raffle prizes included local restaurant meals, tickets to a Sussex County Cricket match, and a kit bag with pads and gloves from Keely Cricket, who also donated the match balls for the day.

Abi Harley, Community and Individuals Fundraiser at Heads On, said: "We are absolutely thrilled with the support for the event at the weekend. Suicide remains the biggest killer of young men and there's been a significant increase in the number of young women affected. Funds raised will be used by Sussex Partnership Suicide Prevention Teams to go above and beyond what would normally be possible with NHS funding. Thanks to everyone involved, to those who donated to the event and to Bexhill Cricket Club for organising the day."

To find out more and how to get involved with Heads On, visit www.headsoncharity.org or email headsoncharity@spft.nhs.uk