Golfers swinging into action to raise funds for mental health charity

A group of golfers will be swinging into action when they take to the green to raise funds for a mental health and wellbeing charity.

The 10^th annual Michael and Neil Drew golf day will return on September 4 raising funds for The Kaleidoscope Plus Group at Gaudet Luce Golf Club in Droitwich. Brothers Chris and Phil Drew are the organisers of the event having set it up originally in 2011 in memory of their late father and brother, Michael and Neil.

Chris said: “One of our friends Dave Hands lost his son Mick Galvin tragically to suicide in 2013 and last year he mentioned that he knew of another local man who had also died by suicide.

“Dave asked for this year’s Michael and Neil Drew annual golf day to raise funds to raise awareness of mental health issues and how people can get help. Mick played in our inaugural golf day and was loved by everyone.

“Nobody saw his death coming. Since Mick died our golf community has experienced further tragic losses and individuals have suffered with poor health and depression.

“We recognise that post Covid-19, mental health is a major issue and it’s escalating in our community, so we wanted to raise funds through this event for Kaleidoscope.” A total of 32 golfers will be playing on the day and the team are hoping to raise a minimum of £1,500 in sponsorship which would fund the equivalent of 50 people receiving support from the charity’s text line, speaking with a volunteer to help them reach a calm and safe place with a plan of how to move forward with their lives.

Gary Wheway, Head of Business Development and Fundraising said: “We are delighted that Phil, Chris and the rest of their group have decided to support Kaleidoscope in their 10^th annual golf day. We have seen first-hand the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on people’s mental health and we need to encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out and know that it’s OK not to feel OK.

“Throughout the pandemic, The Kaleidoscope Plus Group has continued to deliver services to anyone who might be struggling with their emotional health and wellbeing. This golf day will enable us to continue to provide our high-quality services so that we can help those who need us most and break down the stigma attached to mental health.”

The event is being supported by Vietec Limited, a Redditch-based ICT infrastructure specialist company.