A ‘super fundraiser’ from Essex who has raised more than £7,000 for Comic Relief paid a visit to the Inside Out project in Ipswich to find out how money raised supports local projects.

Ipswich Star: Inside Out project in Ipswich Comic Relief feature. Inside Out helps people with mental health issues express themselves through art, and last year received some funding from Comic Relief. Left to right, Jan Addison (project organiser), Elizabeth Dean (fundraiser) and Allan Williams (project organiser). Picture: GREGG BROWNInside Out project in Ipswich Comic Relief feature. Inside Out helps people with mental health issues express themselves through art, and last year received some funding from Comic Relief. Left to right, Jan Addison (project organiser), Elizabeth Dean (fundraiser) and Allan Williams (project organiser). Picture: GREGG BROWN

Elizabeth Dean, 48, was at the Gippeswyk Hall-based project which helps people suffering from stress and mental health issues through the arts.

Ms Dean takes part in a fundraiser each year alongside friends Nina Scotland and Darren Parker, but this year was able to see how money has been spent for the first time. She said: “It’s a real privilege to see how the money is spent on this project. It’s a lovely atmosphere and we have helped with their collages which has been nice.”

Inside Out has been running for 15 years and relies on grant funding to keep it going, which trustee Jan Addison said was a lifeline. She added: “There’s very reliable evidence that attests to the benefit and huge improvement that the use of the arts has in mental health.”

Ms Dean is taking part in the Chelmsford Gallopathon for Comic Relief this year.

Ipswich Star: Red Nose Day 2017Red Nose Day 2017 (Image: Archant)

To sponsor her see here.

To organise your own fundraiser or get involved, visit the Red Nose Day website here.