Dear <<First Name>>

Good afternoon and happy Friday, we hope this email finds you well?
A month has passed since we last updated you on what we've been up to and once again, there's plenty to share.
You may have seen in the news this week that the Office for National Statistics release their latest figures since Covid. In 2020 across England and Wales, 4,561 deaths related to drug poisoning were registered. This is 3.8% higher than the rate seen in 2019 and the highest number since records began in 1993  (read the full report here). Statistics like these remind us how absolutely vital the work we do is.
Speaking of which, take a seat, read on and find out what we've been up to...

NEW COLLABORATION: NHS, WALKING WITH THE WOUNDED AND OUTSIDE THE WIRE

We are very excited about the launch of the Veterans Integrated service providing mental health support, specific stabilisation programmes, substance misuse support and welfare services across Norfolk and Suffolk for armed forces veterans.
Andy Sexton, CEO of The Matthew Project said: “This partnership between NSFT, Walking with the Wounded and the Matthew Project's Outside the Wire service, brings together the best possible support for Veteran’s with PTSD and substance misuse issues. Specialist mental health provision, specialist substance misuse support, along with social support will enable a holistic response to the very real needs of ex-serving personnel. Aside from the expertise, the other key ingredient is that this support will be provided by veterans for veterans. We are really excited to be part of this forward-thinking partnership and grateful to Clive Lewis MP and Lord Dannatt for their support to enable it to happen.”
Commenting on the new service, Clive Lewis MP said: “'It is vital that veterans receive the support they need, which is why it's so fantastic to see this project starting up. This collaboration between NSFT, Walking with the Wounded, and Outside the Wire looks to be an incredible program that will really address veteran care in a comprehensive and compassionate way. I am delighted to be associated with this and look forward to being further involved.”
General The Lord Dannatt GCB CBE MC DL, President, Veterans Norfolk said: "NSFT is to be congratulated for having responded so promptly to concerns raised about the level of support for veterans in Norfolk and Suffolk.  Within less than a year they have worked collaboratively with the MOD, NHS and the 3rd Sector to develop the new Veterans Integrated Service. This partnership approach with Outside the Wire and Walking with the Wounded will enhance the current level of provision - providing a dedicated, culturally sensitive service for veterans and their carers."
If you would like to find out more about this exciting venture, please email Wayne Copsey, Service Manager/Recovery Practitioner wayne.copsey@matthewproject.org

LAUNCH OF DOG WALKING FOR WELLBEING

Our On Track service supports 16–24 year olds who are not in education, training or employment through our 1-2-1 coaching across Norfolk. As well as our coaching, we have a range of added value activities to support our participants with developing their confidence, self-esteem and social skills in group settings that all help when going into education, training or employment. 
We recently launched our wellbeing dog walk with a company called Tom and Toto Ltd. that walk people’s dogs across the Norwich area. Their friendly walker Harry taught us all about different breeds of dogs and the benefits of being outside in the fresh air. This activity was fully booked by our On Track participants and will be taking place once a month until September. The dogs were called Louie, Blue, Fudge and Dexter! 
Playing with or petting an animal can increase levels of the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin and decrease production of the stress hormone cortisol and we all know there are many benefits of being physically active on our mental wellbeing and physical health. 
This project is funded by the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.

That's it for today. Hopefully we've given you plenty to smile about. It's been challenging, but we've got this!

Stay safe and happy,

The Matthew Project Team x