A LIVE music event will take place in Southampton next month to celebrate the first anniversary of a popular walking club turned mental health support group.
WalkieTalkies Fest will take place on Sunday September 26 at The Alexandra Pub on Bellevue Road.
The event, headlined by local band Maple Sky, will be free on the door but 'all donations are welcome'.
All money raised will go to WalkieTalkies - which was formed by Sophie Hannington as a way of helping people suffering with mental health to have a safe space to open up and meet new people.
The event will feature live music from local artists between 2pm and 10pm with a DJ playing until close at 11pm.
Other activities will include food and drink stalls, a prize raffle, as well as stalls from independent businesses supporting mental health awareness such as B.A.D Samaritan as well as a yoga class from Evergreen Yogi.
Sophie created the group after her own difficult adolescence, leaving foster care at 16 and experiencing homelessness on and off until the age of 21.
The organisation now has groups in the New Forest, Dorset and the Ise of Wight.
Sophie said: "We have hosted over 25 walks now and despite the groups changing every time the outcome has always remained the same, the groups have felt pride in overcoming, newfound confidence and the positive support shown between all members old and new has been truly amazing to watch. "
You can find out more about WalkieTalkies here.
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