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Who are Grippers and what do they do?
Grippers is a registered charity - No. 1117290
Aims
Grippers has two aims: one is to give financial help to individuals in Gloucestershire who are recovering from psychosis to enable them to participate in activities which include outdoor pursuits, sports, arts and educational needs which promote mental health and for which there is no other funding.
The other aim is to help increase recognition of psychotic illness so that it can be treated early.
How Grippers started
Grippers was founded in 2006. Friends, carers and relations of psychosis sufferers, together with doctors and nurses, took part in a sponsored walk, raising £2000.
Continuing support
There are five trustees who meet regularly to consider applications for financial support and the allocation of funds.
Some carers are involved in GRIP’s education programme, helping doctors and nurses to understand the day-to-day symptoms during the onset of psychosis.
Raising money
Fundraising is organised by small groups within Grippers.
Recently, the charity has been delighted to benefit from being one of the three charities chosen by the 2007/2008 Cheltenham Mayor. This was a highly successful year, during which there was considerable camaraderie between the three charities. This swelled our funds and raised awareness of the plight of people needing our support.
Most recent fundraising events
Recently the GRIP team staff and service users teamed up to raise money through a Sponsored Swim.
The Grippers sponsored walk 2008' took place along a stretch of the Cotswold Way in the glorious weather of Sunday 12th October. Grippers supporters walked from the Quarry near Cleeve Golf Course to Seven Springs on the outskirts of Cheltenham. It had been decided that eight miles would be the most some people would be able to manage to walk at a stretch and it was important that the walk should be inclusive of all those who wished to join in. It was very rewarding to find that 48 walkers turned out and that everyone completed the distance.
There was a wonderful atmosphere. Some people brought their dogs for a Sunday walk. We enjoyed the stunning views towards the Malvern Hills where a sponsored walk for a Worcestershire charity for psychosis was taking place that day.
Children showed their enthusiasm; two of them beating everyone to the finish and winning a set of colouring crayons each. A beer and a lazy lunch on the grass at The Reservoir Inn by the A40 gave the leaders and stragglers a chance to mingle and made it possible for families to relax and to make friends. Most people lingered at the Hungry Horse pub, near Seven Springs, at the end of the afternoon where memories of this happy day were shared.
We thank our individual sponsors tremendously for your generous support.
There were about twenty GRIP Service Users and their carers on the walk. Your money will aid more psychosis sufferers to join in worthwhile activities which help promote their recovery.
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Future fundraising events
June 2010:
Sunday 27th June, 5pm start. Open air theratre and buffet supper.
Rain or Shine theatre company are playing "The Importance of Being Earnest" in a private garden in Cheltenham.
Details and tickets nearer the time from Mrs Clarke on 01242 520613 or Mrs Sabourin on 01285 851515
July 2010:
Sunday 11th July, 1pm start
Sponsored cycle ride in the Forest of Dean.
A 12 mile cycle ride on the family trail starting and finishing at Pedalabikeaway.
October 2010:
Sunday 17th October, start time TBC.
Sponsored Walk
An 8 mile sponsored walk along the Cotswold Way, starting from The Royal George pub at Birdlip.
