Welcome to the December newsletter
So, that’s a wrap on 2025. It’s been a year of support, friendships, growth and healing, and we are thankful for everyone who has helped and engaged with Best Mates throughout this year.
With 2026 just around the corner, we are excited to see what the year has in store. We hope to continue growing and providing a helping hand in any crisis to those who need it most.
We hope you have an amazing Christmas, a wonderful New Year, and we look forward to seeing you all soon.
Carl, Jeff and Corinne
Best Mates Announces Two-Year Partnership with Vertex
Best Mates – wegotya is proud to announce a new two-year strategic partnership with Vertex, marking a significant step forward in the organisation’s mission to provide compassionate, person-centred support to individuals and workplaces across the UK.
The partnership will focus on expanding wellbeing, pastoral, and social-support services within Vertex’s client network and employee communities, enabling both organisations to enhance the human-centred care they deliver. Through this collaboration, Best Mates will provide dedicated Mates to support individuals facing challenges, helping to improve stability, confidence, and personal outcomes.
Carl McCulloch, CEO of Best Mates, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, saying:
“We are delighted to be joining forces with Vertex and aiding them in supporting their clients and employees. This partnership allows us to continue the work we have done over the last two years.”
In a joint statement, Wayne Tantrum, Managing Director and Sean Curran, Finance Director, of Vertex, said, “We are so happy to partner with Best Mates as our chosen charity for the next two years. They were selected by our employees, reflecting the strong support our people feel for mental health and the work Best Mates does.
This partnership reflects our focus on creating a workplace where wellbeing is prioritised and openly supported. We believe in championing mental health, both within Vertex and in the wider community, and working with Best Mates enables us to contribute to that wider agenda. We look forward to collaborating with them and helping to amplify the vital support they provide.”
Valencia Marathon
Running in the sun…
This month saw our CEO, Carl McCulloch, and Ambassador, Andy Hughes, running the Valencia Marathon to raise vital funds for Best Mates.
Carl had already run two marathons, but for Andy this was his first. In 25-degree heat, both completed the 26.2 miles. What an achievement!
Carl said, “Running a marathon is hard at the best of times, but in that kind of heat, it really took it out of us. I am so proud of Andy for getting it done, his first (and probably his last!) marathon, and, despite feeling it towards the end, he showed true grit to push on through.”
Best Mates Joins Site GB Christmas Lunch
This month’s Site GB Christmas Lunch was nothing short of incredible. From the moment we walked into the room, you could feel the energy, the conversations, the connections, and a genuine willingness to make a difference.
Thanks to Matt Curran, our trustee, who first introduced us to Site GB, what started as a connection earlier this year has grown into a brilliant partnership. From a networking event to the Christmas lunch, the support shown has been outstanding.
And then came the generosity, an unbelievable £28,681 raised.
That figure isn’t just a number. It represents people who will receive support when they need it most. Real conversations, real understanding. A helping hand in any crisis.
A massive shoutout to Carl, Carol, Andy, Kris and Julie for being part of such a special day. Carl taking to the stage and sharing his story, and the story of Best Mates, was a powerful reminder of why this work matters so much.
To Site GB and everyone involved in making the day so special, thank you. Your generosity, belief, and support will directly change lives, and we’re beyond grateful to be part of this journey with you.
Best Mates Veterans
We are excited to announce the launch of Best Mates Veterans, a dedicated initiative to support veterans in the community. Our aim is to offer services and a community where veterans can access everything they and their families need. We are working with Cameron Alexander, who has served and is volunteering with us to spread the word through regiments about Best Mates Veterans.
To make this program a success, we need your help in spreading the word. If you know any veterans who could benefit from our support, or if you’d like to get involved, please reach out – contact@bestmates.org
Together, we can create a strong network of support for our veterans.
Walk N Talk Programme – A Growing Community of Support
The Walk N Talk Programme continues to grow, and it’s been encouraging to see the impact these simple weekly walks are having on people’s lives.
We’re pleased to confirm that Swindon and Folkestone continue to build in numbers, and Melksham is now live and welcoming people each week.
These sessions are providing safe, relaxed spaces where individuals can get some fresh air, build connections, and talk openly with others who understand.
Looking ahead, Yate will launch on Wednesday, 21st January, with Swindon 2 and Cheltenham also due to go live shortly after. Dates for these locations are currently being finalised and will be shared soon.
Our aim remains the same wherever we walk, to create welcoming, community-led spaces that offer support, guidance, and connection, while providing a clear pathway into further help when it’s needed.
If you’d like to volunteer or support and help set up a Walk N Talk in your local area, please get in touch at jeff.tucker@bestmates.org
Thank you to everyone who continues to support, volunteer, and walk alongside us. Together, we’re making sure no one has to face life’s challenges alone.
Meet Your Mates
Name: Paul Morrison
Location: Swindon
Hobbies: I watch an awful lot of sport
Fav food: Mac n Cheese
Holiday destination: Weymouth
Pet Hate: Tardiness and rude behaviour
Fun fact about myself: I’m a distant relative of the Western Actor, John Wayne
Why I became a Mate: I wanted to offer support to anyone who may need someone. We all need a friend sometimes
Area of Support (superpower): Anxiety, Depression and Low Mood
Best Thing About Being in Best Mates: Supporting some amazing people, watching the growth in others. I can’t recommend the Best Mates family highly enough
Turning Support Into Real Impact
Here’s a snapshot of the impact we’ve made together up to 16th December 2025, showing how your support is changing lives.
