Welcome to the February newsletter
We’ve successfully smashed through the first two months of the year, which can seem very long for a multitude of reasons, but spring is just around the corner, so that’s always something to look forward to!
There’s been plenty going on in February in terms of new groups, fundraising efforts and engagement, and we’ve got many events coming up this year for you to get involved in.
And we are always on the lookout for new Mates and Volunteers to join our growing team. Would you like to get involved? Please see below ‘Volunteers Needed – Join the Team’ for all the information.
Carl, Jeff and Rinny
Fundraising Updates
Lashings
The 2026 partnership between Lashings and Best Mates got underway in January in style with a Paul Merson lunch at Gaucho Piccadilly. These events are always great fun, and this was no different.
A crowd of 80 people enjoyed a 3-course lunch, stories and anecdotes from Paul Merson and a talk from our CEO, Carl McCulloch.
Brilliant fun was had all round, and the day raised a fantastic £1200. That money will be used to help people battling addiction to alcohol with a 12-week support program.
Huge thanks to everyone who attended the day
Hera Clothing Sale
We are fortunate enough to have a wonderful partnership with Hera, who, on numerous occasions have donated new clothing to us that we are then able to pass on to raise funds.
Our self-styled Queen of Hera, Carol Owens, ran the latest sale this month, and together with Paul Morrison and her team, sold 600 items on the day, as well as being able to donate unsold items to local charities – Big Breakfast, Salvation Army, Night Shelter and Threshold Housing.
Thank you Carol and everyone at Hera!
Thank you, Montala
A special mention has to go to one of our Mates, Emma Huby and her team at Montala.
Over the last year or so, their company’s salary sacrifice scheme has raised an amazing £13,903!!! The difference this money has made and continues to make to people’s lives is almost indescribable.
We are so grateful to Emma and the team for their continued support!
MCH London goes hiking for Best Mates
This month saw Mark Howarth from MCH London and his good friend Louis Furner take on a 25-mile hike in aid of Best Mates.
From Staplehurst to Sevenoaks, over 1500ft of elevation and 10 hours on the move, they raised £500 for us. That’s 10 hours of therapy for someone in need!
Huge thanks to Mark and Louis for your efforts!
Best Mates receives £11,500 donation from the Serco Foundation
We are delighted to announce that the Serco Foundation has awarded Best Mates #wegotya a donation of £11,500. This generous donation recognises the impact Best Mates makes and the charity’s ability to deliver meaningful outcomes.
This funding will help Best Mates to expand our Walk ‘N’ Talks, reach more people in need, and strengthen volunteer and corporate partnership activities that create lasting positive change in the community.
Jeff Tucker, Co-Founder of Best Mates, said, “We are very grateful for this donation from the Serco Foundation, which is a huge boost for Best Mates and our Walk ‘N’ Talk programme. It will allow us to start new walk and talks, support our volunteers, and reach more people early on to connect them with further help.”
Infinity Connect
Julie and her team at Infinity Connect have continued their support again this year by committing to being the headline sponsor for our Golf Day at Cumberwell Park on 31st July.
The support they show allows us to keep our costs down and helps to raise our profile, both of which enables us to help more people across the country.
We are so grateful for their continued support!
Win Big In Our ‘We Got Ya’ Prize Draw!
Over the next few weeks we will be launching a brand new competition for anyone signing up to Continuous Giving.
Some exceptional prizes on offer, which we will share with you in the March newsletter.
Keep your 👀 peeled!
Meet Your Mates
Name: Kris Walklett.
Location: Swindon.
Fav food: Steak, medium rare – it’s the correct and only way to cook it!
Holiday destination: As much as I love going abroad, you can’t beat the British countryside, North Wales, for example.
Pet Hate: Any form of discrimination, be that racism, homophobia, misogyny, etc. We’re all human.
Fun fact about myself: When I was very young, I auditioned to be the Milky Bar Kid! Didn’t get the gig; I could’ve been the British Macaulay Caulkin.
Why I became a Mate: I became a Mate for two reasons – firstly, there was nothing like Best Mates when I needed it most and secondly, I’ve learnt so much about how to manage my own condition that I want to be able to pass that knowledge onto others.
Superpower: Depression, particularly in men. I’ve learnt to make it a part of me, but it no longer defines who I am.
Best Thing About Being in Best Mates: Getting to see and hear in real time the difference we make. It’s an incredible thing to be a part of, and I’m immensely proud to be a Mate.
Could You Be A Mate?
As Best Mates continues to grow, the need for more people willing to step forward and make a difference grows as well.
We are currently recruiting more ‘Mates‘ – individuals with lived experience who have faced their own challenges, found a way through, and now feel ready to help guide and support others walking a similar path.
Being a Mate isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about understanding. It’s about listening without judgment. It’s about saying, “I get it,” and meaning it. That shared experience can be incredibly powerful for someone who feels alone or unsure where to turn.
If you’ve come through tough times and are now in a place where you feel strong enough to support someone else, we would love to hear from you.
www.bestmates.org, email contact@bestmates.org or pick up the phone and call 0300 303 6283
Volunteers Needed – Join The Team
We’re also expanding our wider volunteer network, led by our very own Kris Walklett, who has stepped up to help coordinate and support volunteers across our growing number of events.
Whether it’s helping at Walk N Talk, supporting community events, assisting with admin, or simply being present to share the Best Mates message, there are many ways to get involved.
Volunteering with Best Mates means becoming part of a team that is actively changing lives in local communities. It’s hands-on, meaningful, and rooted in genuine care for others.
If you’re interested in becoming a Mate or joining our volunteer team, please get in touch –
www.bestmates.org email contact@bestmates.org or pick up the phone and call 0300 303 6283
Together, we can continue building something that truly makes a difference.
Birthdays in February
This month saw the birthday of our Co-Founder, Jeff Tucker, as well as two of our Mates celebrating their birthdays! We won’t share their ages, of course, but we would like to wish Harri Thomson and Katie Tidy a very Happy Birthday from all of us at Best Mates.
Turning Support Into Real Impact
Here’s a snapshot of the impact we’ve made together up to 25th February 2026, showing how your support is changing lives.
