Annual review 2007/08

Our future

Better events, better awareness

Making a difference

We want to grow awareness through involvement in mass participation events such as the London Marathon, the Great North Run, and overseas challenges.

Making it happen

• We piloted our first ever Summer Raffle in 2007 to raise awareness and funds for local services, groups and our National Advice Service.
  
  
• We gave our sponsored event participants and fundraisers a new pack full of tips, advice and ideas.
  
  
• ""I have been experiencing mental health problems for 12 years and decided to raise some money for Rethink. I've planned a 7000km cycle trip round South East Asia. The more money I can raise the better!.”
  
  Stuart Skinner, Rethink Activist and Fundraiser
  We told our participants how to publicise their achievements in the media, and our media team gave tailored advice on local press releases.
  
  
• Eight Rethink runners completed the London Marathon (up from five last year), ten took part in the Great North Run, 11 in the Great South Run, 12 in the Women’s Hydro, three in the Bath Half-Marathon, five in parachuting events, and two in overseas events. This is an increase on last year, and the promotion of and participation in these events, including the raffle pilot, raised vital awareness of Rethink, as well as £68,000.
  
  
• We held the Rethink Big Quiz Night in October 2007 at BAFTA, hosted by Desmond Lynam. 32 companies attended who either sponsored the event, purchased tickets, made financial donations, or donated prizes in support.

Moving forward

• We’ll carry on improving our promotion of fundraising events and challenges, and the support given to our participants.
  
  
• We’ll employ a dedicated fundraising team member to help support fundraising by local Rethink groups and services. They’ll give advice on local funding bids and help to develop new fundraising initiatives and events which can be undertaken locally.

Moving you forward

Visit www.rethink.org to find out how you can get involved.