A Dales pub and restaurant has handed over more than £3,000 to help pay for an app to support those with mental health problems.
The Saddle Room, in Coverdale, launched a charitable takeaway service run by volunteers, in May
Operating as a drive-through every Friday night, all proceeds from the Out of the Saddle service went to the Group Hug project.
Over a period of seven weeks, general manager Leo Morris and his team of volunteers raised £3012.10 which will be put towards an app being developed by the project.
Jonathan Greenwood, Group Hug founder, said: “After the success of the goody bags, it felt right to start fundraising for the launch of our app.
“I wanted the local community to be at the heart of everything we do by building a network of business partners.
“The community has inspired the foundation of Group Hug, so it was great to welcome a business from the same dale. Leo Morris and his team have been enthusiastic supporters from day one, so I am thrilled to have The Saddle Room as our first official partner.”
Leo said that although the business was hit hard by the pandemic, his staff were keen to help.
“Mental health is such an important topic, we all want to do whatever we can to help support our community.
“I approached my team with the idea for ‘Out of the Saddle’ and they all jumped at the chance to give up their time voluntarily.”
The funds raised by Out of the Saddle will go towards the Group Hug app, which aims to provide mental health support to those in need.
The app is due to launch in March 2021 and will offer a sympathetic ear and support to those who are struggling.
You can find out more at https://www.grouphugapp.org
