St Neots Shifties’ “Speak Up” Liveathon: From Blue Monday to Bright Tomorrow  

Shifties, the small business community founded by Cambridgeshire-based entrepreneur Alex Hughes, is hosting a 24-hour “Speak Up” Liveathon on Blue Monday (January 16) to support individuals struggling with mental health issues. After the success of previous years, Hughes returns with the Liveathon to provide a platform for individuals to speak openly about their struggles and find support in their community.    

Co-hosting with Hughes this year is Luke Newman, founder of “For Men To Talk” – a mens’ peer support group based in St. Neots and the surrounding areas. The group, which holds physical meetings at locations such as The Crown Hotel in Biggleswade and St. Neots Golf Club, as well as virtual meetings via Zoom and monthly walking events, aims to provide a safe and supportive space for men to share their thoughts and feelings.  

The Speak Up Liveathon, which will be streamed live starting at 12 midnight and will run through the 24 hours of January 16 2023, will feature a number of guest speakers and charities that will showcase the support available in the community, as well as those who have directly benefited from it. Hughes and Newman will encourage audience members to share their concerns and questions in the live feed, and there will also be opportunities to interact with the guests and win prizes by donating throughout the 24-hour period.  

The Liveathon aims to raise £10,000 for CPSL Mind, a charity devoted to supporting people with mental health concerns and their families across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, and South Lincolnshire. As the region faces an expected difficult year due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, it is more important than ever to provide resources and support for those struggling with their mental health.  

“It is well known that mental health problems are related to deprivation, poverty, and other social and economic determinants of health,” said Newman. “The current financial crisis is therefore a time of high risk to the mental well-being of the local residents and their families.”  

“In these challenging times, it’s vital that we know who to turn to in times of trouble,” added Hughes. “The number of cases involving young suicides, especially in Cambridgeshire, is worrying. The Speak Up Liveathon will be the perfect opportunity to showcase the support available in our local community.”  

In addition to Shifties, Hughes is involved with other local organizations such as St Neots Initiative, Shift Momentum, and Inspire 2 Ignite CIC. With a focus on promoting positive mental health in the community, Hughes and Newman hope the Liveathon will encourage individuals to seek out the support they need and ultimately enjoy life in their town. Special guests joining the Liveathon include representatives from Walk and Talk – St Neots, CPSL MIND and St Neots Man Cave, among others.