A team of mental health nurses, friends, and family members known as the Sandwell Couch Potatoes will climb Wales's highest mountain on Saturday, October 17, to raise funds for a sailing adventure for people recovering from psychosis. The climb supports Black Country Brighter Lives' 30 ways to make a difference campaign, marking the charity's 30th anniversary, and aims to fund a planned sailing voyage in 2027.
Climbing for a Cause
The group includes Tom Fox, Georgina Luke, Dan and Emma Silverstone, Alisha and Amayah Sinclair, Justin Tandy, Kate Tudor, Kelly Wallace, and Carol Wilson. Their fundraising builds on a previous sailing trip in 2025, when nine people recovering from psychosis and three mental health nurses completed a six-day voyage covering 253 nautical miles.
That experience gave participants opportunities to develop confidence, independence, and friendships while learning new skills. Laura Barney, early intervention in psychosis clinical development lead, said the benefits had continued after participants returned home.
“Each person lit up when I asked them about their experiences; from learning to sail, cooking together and meeting someone else who had been through psychosis. Several have described this as a life-changing event,” she said.
Life-Changing Voyage
Emma Silverstone, clinical lead and mental health nurse for the Sandwell team, described the voyage as a memorable experience. “It was a six-day adventure of sunshine and storms, cooking and eating together, bunk beds, and sharing stories of symptoms, hospital admissions and coping strategies,” she said.
The new fundraising challenge aims to give more people receiving support from psychosis services the opportunity to take part in a similar voyage. Manisha Patel, charity engagement officer, said: “The Sandwell Couch Potatoes have embraced the spirit of our 30 ways campaign with a challenge that could create an unforgettable opportunity for people recovering from psychosis.”
Supporting the Team
Residents can support the team through their JustGiving fundraising page: justgiving.com/page/sandwell-snowdonians-2. The climb will directly contribute to making the 2027 sailing voyage a reality for more individuals on their recovery journey.
