Hadrian's Wall Challenge - community mental health

Hello folks. I'm Paul Wolstenholme, psychotherapist and Mental Health First Aid instructor. I am organising and taking part in a mammoth feat of physical and mental endurance this summer: the Hadrian's Wall Challenge. All funds raised will go directly to three wonderful mental health organisations in my local area of Oldham, Greater Manchester.

WHAT ARE WE DOING?

In the space of 4 days, our group of Challengers will walk and/or run the Hadrian's Wall Path, an 84-mile coast-to-coast National Trail across Northern England. That's almost a marathon every day for four days in a row!

The route closely follows one of Britain’s most iconic and historic Roman landmarks - Hadrian's Wall - from Bowness-on-Solway on the West coast to Wallsend on the banks of the Tyne. The Trail passes through the wild and beautiful landscapes of the Northumberland National Park, with regular viewings of ruined Roman settlements, forts, milecastles, turrets and some fully intact sections of the Wall…together with Roman museums, cosy pubs, bustling market towns and urban areas built on top of the wall.

WHY ARE WE DOING IT?

Mental health is crucial to wellbeing. I know from personal experience and the work that I do just how debilitating mental ill health can be. Everyone knows somebody whose life has been severely impacted by anxiety, depression, suicide, trauma or other mental health challenges. Research shows that CONNECTION is hugely important in recovery from mental ill health. The Hadrian's Wall Challenge offers the powerful gift of peer support, teamwork and camaraderie PLUS the healing properties of connecting to nature AND the holistic benefits of improved physical health...all combined with 2000 years of history.

All funds raised will go directly to support the work of three mental health organisations around Oldham...

1. Samaritans (Rochdale, Oldham & district)

Samaritans offer a free listening and support service to people and communities in times of need. Every 10 seconds, Samaritans responds to a call for help. 24/7, they listen without judgement to anyone who is struggling to cope and may be in suicidal crisis. They also give people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others. And they encourage, promote and celebrate those moments of connection between people that can save lives. Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy. Samaritans’ work tirelessly to reach more people and make suicide prevention a priority.

2. Mental Health Football (Oldham)

Mental Health Football Oldham was set up in 2019 with the aim of improving people's mental health through physical activity and peer support in a friendly, easy-going atmosphere. MHF Oldham offers a free, weekly game of football for men and women of all ages and abilities. There is no pressure, no judgement, no expectations, no score-lines, no winners or losers. Attendees do not have to sign up or commit to anything other than to be supportive of one another. Anyone who is experiencing mental health challenges can just turn up and play a free game of football on a Friday evening, or can choose to watch or have a chat with a great group of friendly, welcoming people. The group has won several awards, including Oldham Sports Awards' 'Initiative of the Year' and Manchester FA's 'Grassroots Project of the Year.' The group recently partnered with Rochdale, Oldham & District Samaritans, who now sponsor MHF Oldham's shirts.

3. Pathlight Thrive Hive

Pathlight Thrive Hive is a free, friendly Facebook group offering support, insight and connection around mental health, holistic wellbeing, personal development and navigating life's challenges. The group aims to:

Please donate generously now. Every penny raised will go directly to support the wellbeing of people experiencing poor mental health in the Oldham area and beyond.

And, if you'd like to get involved as a Challenger (runners/walkers) or support volunteer (support driver, planning, publicising, securing sponsorship, etc), please register your interest ASAP:

https://bit.ly/4c2KXPj

Thank you,

Paul Wolstenholme