A founder of a group that helps with anxiety and depression put her money where her mouth is and had a tattoo to bring awareness about mental health.
Lutero Mariano, owner of Ink Warrior in Spalding, teamed up to raise funds with Vanessa Browning, the founder of Community Mind Matters, an organisation that helps those suffering with depression and anxiety.
Louie and his team had a good turn out of customers taking up the offer to ‘get inked’ including Vanessa who had the words ‘Let Them’ scribed on her arm – and the £200 made on the day contributed to a festive meal on Christmas Day at St Norbert’s church in Spalding for residents who would otherwise be on their own.
Ink Warrior in Spalding. PHOTOS: SUBMITTED
Vanessa said: “It was a really good day and the tattoo will be a great reminder.
“For me this tattoo means to stop worrying about people and what they think of me- let them judge me.
“It is about accepting my own mental health and being at peace with myself as a human being.”
Vanessa Browning, founder of Community Mind Matters and Lutero Mariano, owner of Ink Warrior in Spalding. PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Small tattoo designs were placed on a board that customers could choose from on the day (Friday, December 13).
Vanessa said: “The money will go a long way – some people can’t afford food this Christmas and it can bring up good and bad memories.
“We also help a lot of people behind the scenes who are struggling with the cost of living and we give out hampers.
Vanessa Browning got a tattoo on the flash day
Vanessa added: “Louie and his team are so welcoming and lovely – it showed me that we need to listen more.”
The day’s aim was to bring awareness to mental health and the importance of talking about issues.
Lutero Mariano, known as Louie, with Vanessa Browning, far left, and staff at Ink Warrior
Louie said: “It was a busy day and we had a good turn-out despite the weather.
“Loads of people also donated to our Christmas tree and we managed to raise a good amount for Vanessa’s charity.”
Visit Community Mind Matters on Facebook for information.
Designs to choose fromVanessa Browning joined in and had her own tattoo done. PHOTO: SUBMITTED
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