November Newsletter
Welcome to the November newsletter
Time is flying by, and Best Mates continues to go from strength to strength.
We’ve recruited more Mates this past month than any other; we’ve had more beneficiaries need our help, and more corporates have talked to us about joining forces to make the world a better place.
Christmas is coming up, and our message to you is this: take a moment to check in on those around you and make sure they are okay. It’s a difficult time of year for many people, so just a simple phone call can make a huge difference. It takes just two minutes but can change a life.
Park to Plaza
London to Brussels 2026
Our next European adventure has just been released, and we would love for you to join us.
Last time we cycled from London to Paris, but now we are heading a little further north as we start in Hyde Park and finish in the Grand Place, Brussels.

We will cycle on average 75-80 miles a day across four days, taking in some wonderful countryside in the UK, the Netherlands and Belgium. You don’t need to be a fitness fanatic or even wildly fit to be able to take part in this fun event. All you need is your own bike and a sense of adventure.
If you would like to join us, please visit our website.
Welcome, Julie Tooby
We’re thrilled to announce that Julie Tooby has officially joined Best Mates as our newest Trustee!
Julie has been a passionate supporter of Best Mates for some time, and this new role marks an exciting next step both for Julie and for the future of our charity.
Julie brings incredible energy, experience, and vision to the team, and her passion for helping people feel seen, heard and supported aligns perfectly with who we are and what we stand for.

In her own words:
“I believe deeply in Best Mates mission to bring people together through shared purpose, and I’m passionate about helping to expand its reach and long-term impact.”
We’re so happy to have Julie join our community and help push our mission forward, supporting more people through life’s toughest challenges.
From Supporters to Charity Partners
We’re proud to officially announce that Best Mates will become Trak Employment’s chosen charity partner from January 1st, 2026.

While we’ve supported and backed the incredible work of Best Mates over the past few years, this new formal partnership marks an exciting step forward. One built on shared values, community focus, and genuine impact.
Following conversations between Vicki and Carl, we’ve agreed to make this commitment, which will benefit both Best Mates and Trak Employment. Together, we aim to raise between £5,000 and £10,000 per year through fundraising events, donations, and collaboration.
“I’m incredibly proud that Trak is now officially supporting a charity as meaningful and impactful as Best Mates. The work they do genuinely changes lives, and it’s a privilege to be part of that journey.” Vicki McCulloch
Best Mates and Lashings Partnering in 2026
We’re absolutely delighted to announce our partnership with Lashings heading into 2026. They’ve already shown incredible support throughout 2025, and we’re truly grateful for everything they’ve done so far.
Corporate partnerships like this are a major part of what allows Best Mates to keep growing, support more people, and reach those who need us most. When organisations choose to stand with us, they help us change lives. It’s as simple as that.

As Carl put it best:
“Absolutely delighted to be working with Dave, Scott and the team at Lashings to support their clients and colleagues through 2026.”
We can’t wait to see where this partnership goes, how it evolves, and the positive impact we’ll create together next year.
Here’s to a powerful year ahead and to doing what we do best: helping people through life’s toughest challenges.
Community Spirit in Action – Thank You Bassett Bulldogs
This month, our Co-Founder Jeff had the privilege of joining the incredible Bassett Bulldogs to share the story of Best Mates, raising awareness through the power of teamwork and community.
We are absolutely delighted and deeply grateful to announce that the evening raised a massive £1,213 to help us continue supporting people through life’s toughest moments.
A special mention to Wayne, whose courage in sharing his own difficult journey was truly inspiring. His honesty opened the door for others to speak up, reach out, and realise they are not alone.
To everyone who organised, donated, and took part, you are amazing. Your kindness makes a real difference, and we couldn’t do what we do without people like you.


Meet Your Mates
Name: Andy O’Malley (Ambassador)
Location: Marlborough/Swindon
Hobbies: Running, playing pool, watching my kids play football and rugby
Fav food: Thai for the flavours or a medium/rare steak
Holiday destination: Thailand for its beaches and sunsets
Pet Hate: People who are late
Fun fact about myself: I love pushing myself to my limits with physical and mental challenges
Why I became a Mate: After my own personal struggles in 2022, I realised that people who are struggling in life really needed someone who has been through a similar situation to put an arm around them in their time of need. Best Mates allows me to do that
Area of Support (superpower): Understanding of Depression & Suicide
Best Thing About Being in Best Mates: Having the opportunity and platform to help people who are struggling in life. From the charity fundraising, Walk N Talks, acting as a Mate to various beneficiaries, I am fully aware how important being a Best Mate is.
Turning Support Into Real Impact
Here’s a snapshot of the impact we’ve made together up to 28th November 2025, showing how your support is changing lives.










We’re excited to share that Best Mates – #wegotya will be partnering with the Midlands Concrete Society throughout 2026!














