Vanshika helps break down mental health barriers

Vanshika Anand, 15, was crowned Miss Junior Nuneaton 2016 last April and is finalist for Miss Coventry and Warwickshire Finalist 2017.

Since winning the title, she has been working hard to help others and raise money and awareness for various charities.

One of the groups she feels passionate about is Mind.

Vanshika, a student at Avon Valley School and Performing Arts College in Rugby, said: “Mind is charity which aids mental health.

“Their aim is to improve the amount of health services available and bring understanding to society.

“I’m raising money for Coventry & Warwickshire Mind, which is a fantastic charity that’s helped many people close to me.”

Vanshika has been raising money through raffles, cake sales as well as sporting and educational events.

“Many people have experienced anxiety, depression and stress over so many things in our modern day world and I’m hoping I can help make a difference to this.”

She is also a volunteer at Oxfam.

“This helps me to speak to a wider range of people in the community,” she added.

Vanshika is also passionate about green issues and is taking part in a tree planting day and river cleaning day in Leicester.

She is looking forward to taking part in Miss Coventry and Warwickshire in Bedworth.

Rugby student Vanshika Anand has been on the journey of a lifetime since winning the pageant.

She was crowned Miss Junior Nuneaton 2016 in April last year, competing against 20 other people for various parts in the competition, which is part of the Miss Coventry and Warwickshire Awards.

Vanshika said: “It has been such an amazing journey and I have never felt so proud to be showing my Indian culture to Warwickshire.”

She is now looking forward to the finals in April.

For more information on Vanshika’s fundraising for Mind or to make a donation to the cause, visit www.cwmind.org.uk/fundraisers/miss-coventry-and-warwickshire-finalist-2017-vanshika-anand