A class of Forth Valley College students – who have either personally been affected by mental health issues or know someone close to them who has – are planning a week-long event to highlight the benefits of walking on health and well-being.
The Forth Valley College Step into Early Learning and Childcare Class have organised a challenge for people to walk ‘7 Miles in 7 Days’, starting on Monday 17 May and any charity donations made to the group during that time will go towards the Young Minds worthy cause. They are also appealing for more people to join in and take part, and anyone interested should contact class lecturer, Gemma Dempsey, via email on gemma.dempsey@forthvalley.ac.uk.
The Step into Early Learning and Childcare Team includes: Alana Plummer, Sheryl Bell, Louise Galbraith, April Hutchens, Mandy Johnstone, Tyla Law, Olivia Rae, Chloe Craig, Caitlyn Bell and Naomi Addison.
Student Alana Plummer, who is pictured here walking her dog in preparation for the challenge, said: “We have decided to set ourselves a goal and complete a step challenge to raise awareness of mental health in young people. It will also show support to our chosen charity, ‘Young Minds’, offering young people like ourselves support in times of need and crisis.
“Our challenge is to walk '7 Miles in 7 Days', and we are encouraging as many people as possible to join in and complete this challenge with us. Throughout the week we aim to demonstrate the positive impact walking, exercise and fresh air can have on our mental health and wellbeing, and we will be sharing information about mental health support.
“We will be collecting donations for 'Young Minds' throughout the week. No donation is too small, any contribution is welcome. We would like to encourage as many people as possible to participate, helping individuals to get out and about in these difficult times.”
Care, Sport and Construction Lecturer, Gemma Dempsey, said: “I am extremely proud of this class, individually they have faced many challenges but they have never seen this as a barrier to their future success. The group have come together in difficult times and now want to help and support others through fundraising and raising awareness. Help them achieve their goal by joining the challenge, making a small donation or both.”
You can donate to the Step into ELC JustGiving page by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3b0yJbV
The class has been inspired to organise the event after the Young Minds charity published the following statistics in April:
- 1 in 8 children have a diagnosable mental health disorder – that’s roughly three children in every classroom.
- Nearly half of 17-19 year olds with a diagnosable mental health disorder has self-harmed or attempted suicide at some point, rising to 52.7% for young women.
- 1 in 3 adult mental health conditions relate directly to adverse childhood experiences.
- In total, less than 1% of the total NHS budget is spent on children and young people’s mental health services.