To consolidate and release equity or not

Hi, I'm new to this forum so pleasee bear with me. I need to release equity but how much should I go for? My dilemma - should I go for as much as I can get (and have some money to invest) or should I go for what I need now?

My personal situation: - Age 53, Public Servent

to gamble what you have to pay off later?
You are bonkers to do the former,
why do you need to release equity exactly - more detail needed

All depends on which direction you see the market going.