Our founded and Chair of the Board, Angie Clarke recently attended an event at the Bath and West Showground.

The day focused on equality and unity.Looking at the challenges that women face in business, how this has changed and Angie spoke about her life, some of the challenges she has faced and how she has overcome everything to have her own successful business and consultancy company. The reality being that by being determined and taking responsibility for self, literally anything is possible.

Angie is also the author of “S**t Creek to Somewhere Else – well worth a read! Click here to order your copy.

Firstly this is time to say thank you to everyone who supported me on the last adventure and those who were there on the day – The Great Bristol Run, on 25th September 2022 was a truly magical day. Those last few miles were so tough and emotions ran high for me but what support I had. A day I will remember forever.

So, my passion for running continues – so a big step up to (hopefully) run my first Marathon. 26.2 miles or 42.2km

I have been running now since February 2021. This is something that even I find remarkable that I am able to do. If you look at the evidence? An acute addiction to prescription painkillers, in 2008 lasting 6 years, with 5 knees operations on my right knee after I ruptured my ACL. It is very clear how close to the edge I was in that time and there was chaos and alongside an acute addiction, poor mental health and just not coping with life.

I have been to rehab, the same one that I now work at and I am proud to say this. Did they save my life? Yes, alongside my family – undeniably. So now it’s great that I get to work at the same place that helped me and support people to turn their lives around, just like was done for me., Paying it forward and all that.

9 years later, 45 years of age, sober, happy and life is good, in fact it’s really good.

Then there is the charity that I am also on the board of trustees for. Somewhere House Somerset, the beneficiary of this fundraising, that I am a trustee of. I believe in supporting our local community providing counselling and support to anyone in our local area, that needs it, for as long as they need it. What’s more we just ask for people to donate what they can afford to their sessions. If that’s 50p, then that’s ok.

So every penny raised will be going to this amazing charity, again something that I am so proud to be part of. The amazing team of qualified counsellors, volunteers and my fellow board members. They are remarkable people. We see over 140 clients a week. Fundraising efforts like this will help to continue the work we do.

So about the challenge A marathon – really I have said to myself time and time again? Well yes, I am going to do this and run 26.2 miles/42.2km around the city of Manchester. Then 4 weeks later, I am returning to Bristol to run another half marathon 13.1 miles/21.1km at the Great Bristol Run but that’s for another time and fundraising page! Both physically and mentally, first and foremost I am under no illusions that the Manchester Marathon is going to be very very challenging. The fatigue, the cramp, the endless miles, the dreaded ‘wall’ will need to be climbed over. But I want to know what it’s like to get over that line and in the process hopefully raise loads of money to help others. This is a journey for me and with all funds raised, for those who benefit too.

Paula Radcliffe has said that ‘Everything you want to know about yourself, you will find out during the course of running a 26.2 mile marathon’

Training is well into the serious stages now. Some days it’s hard, the 4am starts before work, the long runs, the cross training and the endless buying of running shoes and nutrition drinks. But thus far, I have loved every single second of it.

So hopefully you will support me to run for Somewhere House Somerset and support the community in the process, and in doing so – you may just change someone’s life for the better. Remember every penny raised is going directly to supporting those in need.

Don’t forget to gift aid! Sponsor me by clicking here

Rob x

Happy New Year to anyone reading this. We have, as ever, lots of plans going forward – a charity ball, fundraising events, one of the trustees running his first marathon for the charity, quizzes and some exciting other stuff we can’t talk about just yet!

Yes the books are currently closed but we are working through the waiting list and hope this will not take too long!

Thanks for everyone’s support and if you want to help the charity, we would love to hear from you, please drop us an email! info@somewherehousesomerset.org

The SWHS team x

After a long absence due to the Covid Pandemic, this week we are returning to a local school to deliver an educational talk on substance misuses, the dangers of and ‘what happens if’

It will be frank and honest, with no subject off limits. Sometimes the harsh reality of real life testimony that the students will hear this week, can provide the kickstart for someone to make positive changes in their life, or turn in a different healthy direction

Dates for your diary!

Upcoming coffee and chats – a chance to come and have a cup of coffee, chat with new people and be a part of wonderful local charity that exists to support people.

A qualified counsellor is always in attendance as is a member of the Trusteee board.

Make a donation if you wish and all proceeds go to supporting those in need.

Burnham on Sea Baptist Church – College Street – Burnham on Sea – 11am-1pm

28th October
25th November – Xmas Special with a range of stalls, xmas themed food and carols

Cheddar Methodist Church – Cliff Street – Cheddar – 10am-12pm

1st November
6th December

Come down and say hi, all are most welcome!