Dorset Mind’s 3rd annual fundraiser is set to take place on Sunday 6th October – it’s a ‘walking’ marathon and they invite all businesses and individuals to join their staff and CEO to walk for their wellbeing along the award-winning blue flag beaches of Bournemouth and Poole.
The link between getting active and better wellbeing is well-documented by the NHS and national Mind. To recognise this, the walk this year has consciously been moved forward to just before World Mental Health Day (which falls on 10th October).
The route begins at Rick Stein, Sandbanks at 8.30am and you’ll walk along the golden beaches of Poole and Bournemouth to Hengistbury Head, where, after a short ride on the Mudeford ferry (weather-depending), you’ll continue walking to the Christchurch Mind Shop – which is exactly halfway. You will then retrace the walk back to Sandbanks, having a light lunch and a short break at Hengistbury.
Our team will be on hand to accompany you every step of the way, providing regular support and refreshment breaks – they will also take part as they really enjoy the challenge.
We do recommend doing some training beforehand. If the full route isn’t for you, why not consider joining between check points to avoid injury. We’ve designed the route to be as accessible as possible – it is mostly flat, with some incline however around Hengistbury Head.
The BIG Walk is free to enter but encourages fundraising or a small donation – to enable the charity to continue to deliver their vital mental health support and wellbeing services for local adults and young people aged 9 upwards.
Your donations help us support and empower people struggling with mental health conditions such as high anxiety, depression, stress, low-esteem and confidence.
Every amount, however small, helps us support local people.
People like Annie, an Active in Mind support group participant, who recently told us “After so many years house bound and isolated, it’s been a bridge back to the world for me and really helped rebuild my self-confidence. An enormous positive impact on my life – life-changing really. So grateful this service exists.”
What can be better than to get outside in nature, connect with other people and businesses – and support one of the leading mental health charities to continue their important work across Dorset.
If you’d like to find out more, or would like to join us, please contact Evie Battistini or Nick Rowe at fundraising@dorsetmind.uk