September Newsletter
Welcome to the September newsletter and what a month it’s been!
We have seen so many activities going on and it’s so exciting to see the growth of Best Mates.
Chew Events created an amazing golf day for us, we’ve taken on nearly a dozen new beneficiaries, joined forces with four new support partners, our Walk and Talk groups are about to grow exponentially with new sites popping up across the southwest, and just this week our incredible team took on the challenge of all challenges by climbing the 3 Peaks in 24 hours!
Be sure to check out our website for the coming events that you can be involved in.
Corporate Partnership
Best Mates #wegotya named Charity of the Year by the advertising agency, MCH London
We are delighted to announce our newest corporate partnership as we join forces with MCH London. The collaboration will focus on raising awareness of our mission to ensure no one faces life’s challenges alone, while also generating vital funds.
Carl McCulloch of Best Mates shared:
“This is an exciting partnership because MCH are fully supportive of our mission, and their whole team are behind what we are trying to achieve.”
Mark Howarth, Founder of MCH, added:
“Best Mates is a young and dynamic charity trying to change people’s lives through lived experience. As a company, we believe in what they are doing and look forward to supporting them on their journey.”
Together, Best Mates and MCH London are committed to making a positive impact, empowering people through shared strength and support.
Saturday, 18th October, is a big fundraising day for Best Mates!
Join us in London at the MCH London x Best Mates charity party.
From 12 noon to 4pm, you are invited to join a celebration of MCH London, its people, charity work, and our new collaboration.
Enjoy a champagne reception and sit-down three-course lunch, a quiz featuring a celebrity Quizmaster, appearances of an Ashes 2005 winner and an ultra marathon, world-record breaking mum, plus several games, a prize draw and a live auction to raise funds for Best Mates.
Grab an early bird ticket by clicking the link below. Each ticket includes a £35 donation to Best Mates.
Then back in Swindon, and not to be missed, the Black Nova 10th Anniversary Party from 7pm!
If you’d like to be part of something meaningful (and have a great night out while you’re at it), come and celebrate with us! Use the link below to learn more and snap up tickets before they sell out.
How so little goes a long way
As a small charity, our lifeblood is funding and giving. As the nation faces a difficult time financially, ongoing and repeat giving is always difficult to ask for, but is vital.
Just £10 per month will help us keep our essential Walk ‘n’ Talk programmes going and growing. These programmes are so important to people across the country as it gives them the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, possibly in a similar situation.
Where does your money go
£500 will give someone 10 hours of therapy and support
£900 will put someone through an alcohol or drug rehabilitation programme
£1500 will reintegrate a veteran into society
If you are able to give any amount regularly, you could change someone’s life immeasurably. Nobody should have to go through life’s challenges alone, so together we can make sure that never happens!
Best Mates #wegotya
Meet Your Mates
Name: Emma Matlock
Location: Cricklade
Hobbies: Spending time with my girls, family & playing golf
Favourite Food: Mexican food
Holiday Destination: Jamaica
Pet Hate: Lateness & rudeness
Fun / Interesting Fact About Yourself: I can do an unassisted headstand
Why You Became A Mate: Having been through some very dark, lonely times, I’ve come out the other side smiling again. I want to help others do the same by relating to them and not making them feel alone.
Area of Support: Alcoholism, addiction, anxiety, divorce, and single parenting.
One Night Can Change Lives – Sign Up for the CEO Sleepout Today
Our very own Jeff Tucker and Corine Paul are taking part in the CEO Sleepout again this year on the 17th November in Bristol, and we’re looking for 10 people to join them.
Last year’s event was eye-opening, offering a glimpse into the harsh reality faced by those forced to sleep outdoors on cold winter nights. Homelessness isn’t just about losing a roof; it takes a heavy toll on people’s mental and physical health.
At Best Mates, we’re proud to support the cause. Through donations from HERA, we’ve raised vital funds and distributed essential clothing to local charities helping those in need.
Now we’re asking you to step up, sleep out, and make a difference. Just one night away from your warm bed can bring hope to others and give you a new sense of perspective and gratitude.
Join Jeff and Corrine in supporting the CEO Sleepout. Register your interest by emailing jeff.tucker@bestmates.org today!
Sleep out, wake up, change lives
Turning Support Into Real Impact
Here’s a snapshot of the impact we’ve made together up to 7th August 2025, showing how your support is changing lives.
