how’s your head hun? Activities etc.
We spend most of our time on instagram @merakai_brewing so please give us a follow, turn on notifications and get involved!
how’s your head hun?
I’ll start by saying this now, so you know. I am no journalist, my writing is far from perfect, but I have something to say and I want to share with you.
The start
Mental health is something which people are starting to talk about more openly, but it is still a taboo subject. When you are mentally unwell, you don’t want to tell people that you feel or you think that may be going bonkers in my case, not because of the judgement but because they can’t help and aren’t qualified to do so - unless you’re really good friends with a therapist, then lucky you - and it’s also a bit tough for some of us to say help me I’m struggling.
I’ve struggled with mental health for as long as I can remember, riddled with anxiety in my teenage years, then a full on breakdown in my early 30’s. I was surrounded by people but felt totally alone, like I was the only one going through it. I have been through so many ups and downs and I have it under control, but I know there are others that don’t. If you feel this way, please seek help, I’ve included helplines and websites below for you to check out. If you can find the courage to seek help, you’ll start to feel less alone and shit.
The charity Mind released a mental health of the nation report in 2020 (England), it stated that 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year. 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (like anxiety and depression) in any given week. It doesn’t make for great reading but what I take from this is that is more common than we think. I felt alone, like it was just happening to me, but in reality it’s all around us.
OUR COMMITMENT
When we set up Merakai Brewing CO. last year (2020) we wanted not only to make delicious beer but we also felt it was important that we stand for something. We’ve talked about the foundations of the brewery - Community, Equality and Taste - our community and their wellbeing is important to us. We do give a shit, and want to take on initiatives or launch campaigns for the benefit of everyone. When we launched, I said in a podcast that we’d release a beer and name it How’s Your Head Hun? (thank you Elvira, Ru Paul and Michelle Visage). The idea being that the beer is a conversation starter, we want it to act as a reminder to check in with yourself, your friends and your family.
CAN WE GIVE YOU MONEY?
Every time we release How’s Your Head Hun? we will partner with a mental health charity. This time, our chosen partner is West Sussex Mind (who are local to us). We approached West Sussex Mind fundraising team with the view that we would sell How’s Your Head Hun? and give a portion of the profits to them. It turns out there are companies that some mental health charities don’t accept direct donations from, on that list are alcohol producers. With this in mind (no pun) we worked out an alternative, and that is to fundraise.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
During the month of April (it is not lost on me that mental health awareness week starts from 10th May) as our way to give back to you, we will be running activities, they’ll be delicious mood boosting food to try, little brain healthy tips, convos with experts, morning yoga and a little virtual pub - all are welcome! CHECK THIS POST FOR ALL OF THE DATES/TIMES and keep an eye on our social - @merakai_brewing for daily updates and reminders
We’ll also be hoping that you will help us give back by donating to our fantastic fundraiser. There are over 20 beer related prizes to be won in our charity raffle - TAKE A LOOK. The minimum donation you can do is £2, and a £2 donation = 2 entries, £5 donation = 5 entries and so on - like virtual raffle tickets. Our aim is to raise £500, but anything is great, and we hope this month you join in with one of our activities, have fun and give a bit of cash for a very worthy cause.
we care a lot!
You are our community and we care how you are doing. Hopefully this campaign will help remind those of you that are struggling that you are not alone. Join us this month, and help us support others who need our support. Cheers! Emma x
IMPORTANT ORGANISATIONS to reach out to
West Sussex Mind @westsussexmind
Black Minds Matter @blackmindsmatteruk