A non-profit organisation that provides mental health support is looking for sponsors as seven of its members prepare to take on an ultra marathon.

The team from Somerset Counselling Centre Taunton (SCC) is gearing up for participation in the Jurassic Coast Ultra Marathon taking place on May 18 and 19.

The group has extended an appeal to businesses and the community to sponsor their run.

Somerset County Gazette: (L-R) Helen Doolan, Jon Hancock, Tanya Hall-Palmer, and Simon Peck(L-R) Helen Doolan, Jon Hancock, Tanya Hall-Palmer, and Simon Peck (Image: Somerset Counselling Centre Taunton)

Set against the scenic Jurassic Coast, the ultra marathon offers an opportunity for SCC to raise funds for its counselling services.

Tanya Hall-Palmer, on behalf of SCC, said: "We provide low-cost counselling to people in Somerset but with a difference.

"While many community-based organisations can only offer six to eight sessions, we recognise that some of those we see need counselling for longer periods - sometimes for a year or more.

"Our fundraising subsidises lower-cost places so those people can pay part of it themselves for traditional long-term therapy without taking on the financial burdens normally associated with counselling.

"We aim to help as many people as we can, recognising that some of life's troubles take time to address."

For those interested in donating, a JustGiving page has been set up and can be found at https://www.ultrachallenge.com/jurassic-coast-challenge/

Any sponsor contributions received would go directly to providing ongoing support and assistance to those in need within the Somerset community.

Ms Hall-Palmer added: "Just £20 would subsidise the provision of one low-income counselling session, £100 would enable us to reach clients that might otherwise not be able to afford counselling and £500 goes a long way for SCC. 

"It would help to provide a series of sessions, or training, or maintain an environment that is welcoming and safe."

Businesses interested in supporting the team can contact Tanya Hall-Palmer at 01823 337049 or via email at info@scctaunton.org.uk.