A Hastings business owner has teamed up with butcher shops across the UK to produce a calendar in aid of a mental health charity.

Steve Fisher, who owns P A Fisher & Son butchers in Hughenden Road, recently launched The Great British Butchers Charity Calendar 2027 in support of Mental Health UK.

Mental Health UK is a charity network that delivers national support, information, and specialised programmes to help people manage their mental health across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Steve said: “The project brings together 12 independent butcher shops from across England, Scotland and Wales to raise money in support of Mental Health UK while also promoting independent high street butchers.

“The idea was inspired by my own experiences with childhood trauma, mental health struggles and addiction. After more than four years of sobriety, I wanted to create something positive that could help raise awareness of mental health, support a fantastic charity and bring independent businesses together for a common cause.

“While the project is still getting off the ground, it has already brought together 12 independent butcher shops from East Sussex, Yorkshire, Norfolk, Devon, Nottinghamshire, London, Wales and Scotland, all united behind the same cause.

“We are currently seeking sponsors to help cover production costs so that as much money as possible from calendar sales can go directly to charity.

“Independent butchers are often at the heart of their communities, and this project is about celebrating those businesses while supporting mental health and raising money for a cause that affects so many people.”

The butchers shops across the UK taking part in the charity calendar fundraiser for Mental Health UK

Speaking about his own struggles, Steve said: “When you stop drinking, you lose the thing you used to switch off with. You spend years waiting for that eureka moment when everything suddenly feels great because you’re sober, but for many people it doesn’t happen like that. Life is still life. The problems are still there. The difference is that you have to face them without a drink.

“Every day I try to be a good husband and a good dad to my children. It isn’t easy, and I still struggle every day.

“My wife, Tara, has been my absolute rock. She has stood by me through all of this, even during the times when I probably wasn’t easy to live with. For that, I am eternally grateful. I love her more than words can say

“One of the few things that gives me peace is training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Darkstar Hastings. For that short time on the mats, the noise goes quiet.”