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Red Nose Day 2009 is just around the corner and it's all set to be bigger, better and funnier than ever.

This year, the nation's sides will split with laughter as we get everyone to Do Something Funny for Money. Nine celebrities are set to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa while celebrity 'The Apprentice' is back.

This year, the event will raise money for two main causes: mental health and Africa.

In the UK, one in four people will experience a mental health problem at some point their lifetime, and many face stigma and discrimination as a result.

In Africa, malaria kills a child every 30 seconds - that's over one million lives lost every single year. This Red Nose Day, we'll be highlighting these devastating issues along with maternal health and access to education across Africa.

Voices heard

Here in Somerset, mental health charity Mind was granted in 2008 over 拢100,000 to set up a three-year advocacy service which will help them to get their voices heard.听

Project manager Bethan Fisher said the service will be open to anyone aged 18-65 living in the Taunton and West Somerset area who is experiencing emotional distress.

"It's about getting their voices heard and getting them to have their say in decisions which affect their day-to-day lives; making sure their opinions are listened to and respected; helping to improve accessibility of services and highlighting and challenging the barriers they experience," she said.

"People with mental health issues are often stigmatised and overlooked so it's really great news that this money has been given to provide services for this group."听听