The Dan Jones Fund: Saving Lives Through Counselling and Community Support
For more than a decade, the Daniel Jones Memorial Golf Day has brought together friends, family, and the wider community to remember Daniel and raise vital funds for mental health services in Gwent. What started as a heartfelt tribute has grown into an annual tradition that changes lives.
A Day of Sport, Solidarity, and Support
Held every autumn at Pontypool Golf Club, the Golf Day has become a much-loved event on the local calendar. Friends old and new gather to play a round in Daniel’s memory, share stories, and raise a glass to him afterwards.
Beyond the friendly competition, the day carries a powerful purpose: every swing, every putt, and every donation helps fund free crisis counselling sessions through the Dan Jones Fund at Mind in Gwent.
This year marks the 11th gathering, building on ten years of generosity and community spirit. The laughter, memories, and camaraderie of the day sit alongside the knowledge that the money raised goes directly toward saving lives.
Real Lives Changed
One of those lives is Kendal’s. Almost two years ago, Kendal was referred to the Dan Jones Fund at a time of deep crisis. Within days, counselling sessions were arranged – support that Kendal describes as “nothing short of life-saving.”
Now, with ongoing therapy and new coping tools like running, Kendal has found stability and hope. Inspired to give back, she is even training to run a marathon to raise money for the fund that helped her through her darkest moments.
Her story is just one example of how the fund is directly changing lives across our communities.
The Impact in Numbers
Since its creation, the Dan Jones Fund has made a profound difference:
- £52,177.39 raised up to August 2024
- 609 free crisis counselling sessions provided for people experiencing suicidal thoughts
- 20 people trained in Mental Health First Aid, building stronger, safer communities
These numbers represent more than statistics – they reflect lives saved, families supported, and hope restored.
Keeping the Legacy Alive
The Dan Jones Memorial Golf Day shows what’s possible when a community comes together with compassion and determination. By combining the joy of sport with a shared purpose, the event ensures that Daniel’s legacy lives on not only in cherished memories, but in the hundreds of lives supported through crisis counselling and training.
As Chris Jones, Daniel’s dad, reflects:
The impact of your contributions cannot be overstated — they have truly saved lives.
If you’d like to support the fund and the work it makes possible, you can get involved through fundraising events, donations, or by simply sharing its story. Every contribution helps us continue providing life-saving counselling and mental health support across Gwent.
Posted on: 27th August 2025