Help us launch The Well And Good Wagon

Aim

Help us launch our 1st Well and Good Wagon, our mobile hub of hope to offer mental health support, connection & compassion across Sussex.

We are The Well and Good Wagon, a Community Interest Company in Sussex, founded by myself, Ruby Brown and  Mark Blackie. Together, we’re passionate about making mental health support accessible, gentle, and stigma-free for everyone in our community.

The need has never been greater. Recent figures reveal that West Sussex now has the third highest suicide rate in the South East, and across all three Sussex areas—East Sussex, West Sussex, and Brighton & Hove—suicide rates are sadly above the national average. Behind every number is a story, a family, a life that matters.

That’s why we’re here. We want to spark real conversations, create safe spaces, and,most importantly,make sure everyone feels truly heard. Because in a world where so many are struggling, a listening ear and a sense of belonging can change everything.

Why the Well and Good Wagon?

Modern life can feel relentless...especially for those struggling with mental health, long term health conditions,  grief, loneliness, isolation ....or simply keeping up with everyday pressures. Many wellbeing services are locked behind clinic doors, waiting for people to come to them... In a lightbulb momnet it struck me ...What if support could come to you instead? What if there was a safe, welcoming space that rolled right into your community, offering gentle guidance, nature-based healing, and a listening ear. 

That’s the vision behind The Well and Good Wagon: a lifeline for Sussex towns and villages, reconnecting people with nature, movement, and each other.

So, how will it work?

The Wagon isn’t just a vehicle,it’s a sanctuary on wheels. We host guided walks, soul-nourishing sessions, and community gatherings in green spaces across Sussex. Whether you’re battling anxiety, grief, long-term health issues, or just need a place to breathe, you’ll find a warm welcome here. There’s no pressure to talk or “do”,just space to be, surrounded by nature and gentle support.

As well as the walk and talks, our wagon will have pop up days and listening clinics, we will be parked at train stations, local libraries, Doctors surgeries , high streets, supermarkets,and business's county wide. The Well And Good Wagon will be there for people to drop in and receive guidance or support (like a citizens advice bureau but for health and wellbeing) We will bring along guest experts from all areas of life and in future we are aiming to even host our own mobile podcast from the van. 

We also run a WhatsApp community for ongoing connection, share stories and resources, and are building a Well and Good Directory to connect people with compassionate, mental health-aware businesses and allies / mentalhealth advocates across the region.

How You Can Help Us ... 

Every contribution, big or small, will help us keep The Well and Good Wagon on the road and ready to support our community.

Mark has recently closed his business after 20 years of hard work and has decided that now is the time for him to do something else he can really put his heart and soul into and he has certainly started out by doing just that and donating the perfect van for us to kick off the project. 

But what's next,  our Well And Good Wagon needs to have a bit of a makeover and this is exactly where your help comes in.. 

Here’s exactly what your generosity will help us cover:

• Insurance: Keeping Wanda and everyone who joins us safe and secure.
• MOT and Tax: Making sure our wagon is road legal and ready to roll to every Sussex town and village.
• Signwriting: Giving Wanda her own identity—so people know exactly what we’re about when they see us arrive.
• A Wagon Refit: Creating a welcoming, comfortable, and accessible space inside for our sessions, resources, and community gatherings.

We’re aiming to raise £2,000+ to cover these essentials and get Wanda fully kitted out for the journeys ahead. Every pound brings us closer to reaching more people, offering more support, and making a bigger difference in Sussex.

Meet the Team

I am Ruby and my journey has been shaped by my own battles with mental health, from struggling as a suicide survivor in my younger years to overwhelm and anxiety as a result of the menopause, unresolved trauma and ADHD. The longing for genuine connection, guidance and a soft place to land on the bad days  have been the inspiration to create a mobile wellbeing hub for anyone who feels lost, lonely, or just in need of a little kindness.

Right now, the “team” is mostly me, Ruby...wearing many hats, driven by a big heart and a bigger vision. But the Wagon is about community, and we are building a network of like-minded therapists, volunteers, and local partners ready to jump aboard as we grow. 

I am being joined by Mark (fellow driver, founder and mental health first aider) Mark too has experienced his own challenges and as a single Dad raising his two fab kids is now keen to spread the message that you are not alone and that there are people who are here to listen, hand hold and help get through the bad days. Together we will be hitting the road this Autumn and bringing this long dreamed of vision onto the road. 

Why This Matters

Mental health struggles don’t come with a schedule or a postcode.... Perhaps it's you... perhaps it's someone you know, whatever the case The Well and Good Wagon meets people where they are, literally and emotionally...offering hope, connection, and a gentle path forward. Your support isn’t just funding a project; you’re helping build a movement rooted in compassion, nature, and real community care.

What People Are Saying

“I joined the well and good wagon a few months ago now, It’s really good for the mind and soul. Ruby has done a grand job of planning it and reaching out to people who Have had it tough of late! We’ve been on some fantastic walks and I have made some great connectionss, a really chilled and friendly bunch of people who are easy to chat to and most importantly we have a bit of a laugh at the same time, which is very uplifting in these current times." - Damo

"On the Sunday a few weeks ago when I first met some of the group it was actually very good to talk to others about the situation I was in and also other people who have a similar problem had a great time that day and I would definitely do it again. Thanks Ruby & Mark" - George

"I think this is such a fabulous idea, not only as there is such a high demand for access to counselling, time to talk, some people may not have the time to wait on waiting lists or have the money to be able to go private. Some people may struggle to get out in the morning but having made plans and a routine of the regular walks will make them not feel alone and to give them more confidence. I joined the first walk and talk, and had a fabulous day in which I have made some lovely connections, now friendships, I try to get along to most walks and looking forward to more of whats to come" - Vicky 

Join Us—Let’s Bring Wellbeing Home

This is more than a crowdfunder. It’s an invitation to help shape a kinder, more connected Sussex—one stop, one walk, one conversation at a time. 

Will you help The Well and Good Wagon roll a little further?

This project closed unsuccessfully on 17th December 2025