Lancashire Mind launches 30:30 Challenge

Mental health charity Lancashire Mind are challenging people and businesses across the county to come together to look after their mental health and wellbeing by taking part in the 30:30 Challenge. 

The challenge, which is officially being launched on the 6 April, centres around the Five Ways to Wellbeing: Connect, Be Active, Give, Take Notice and Learn. 

Lancashire Mind CEO, Tommy McIlravey, said: “The challenge is simple, we're asking people and businesses across Lancashire to take part in physical activity for at least 30 minutes every day for 30 days. This will help everyone to be active - but we also want you to think about how your activity can help you achieve one or more of the other ways to wellbeing.” 

The Five Ways are evidence-based actions, developed by the New Economics Foundation, that can make a positive difference to our wellbeing if carried out on a regular basis. 

Other ideas include using the time in self isolation to learn a new skill, connect with work colleagues and friends, give positive comments, and take notice of the spring flowers. 

Tommy added: “These are unprecedented times and there may be people that are experiencing mental health and wellbeing issues for the first time, as well as those that face them every day. Almost everyone’s day to day environment has been turned upside down. We want to create an online community of people working towards a shared goal of prioritising wellbeing.” 

The challenge can be completed by anyone from anywhere. To take part in the challenge sign up to the Well 1-2-1 app. The app will allow you to track your progress, create leader boards with friends and colleagues and see the progress of everyone taking part across the county. 

Lancashire Mind staff will also be joining in and sharing their journey on their social media channels. 

It costs just £5 to sign up to the challenge - which enables Wellbeing4Business Ltd to run the app and the associated administration costs. Businesses are being encouraged to sign up multiple members as a way for staff and colleagues who are used to seeing each other every day, to maintain their connections, as well as encouraging a bit of fun competition. Any sponsorship or donations made by those taking part will help to fund vital Lancashire Mind services to help the vulnerable at a time when they need it the most.  

Tommy added: “We are providing support to people who have existing mental health conditions and those who are at risk of developing mental health conditions due to the challenging times. This in turn helps alleviate pressure that may otherwise have fallen to an already stretched NHS. 

“If people are able to donate maybe the equivalent cost of their weekly coffee, or gym class or the cost of their commute it would help us to continue to support people across Lancashire.”  

To sign up visit https://bit.ly/LM3030challenge 

 Any sponsorship can be pledged on https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/LancashireMind3030