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º£½ÇÖ±²¥ takes on the BRIT Challenge for mental health

Staff and students from º£½ÇÖ±²¥ are aiming to cover 2,022 miles to improve mental health, boost wellbeing and fitness, and raise money for charity.

The BRIT Challenge from the British Inspiration Trust (BRIT) encourages people of all abilities to come together to achieve a goal and help increase mental health support and awareness. The annual fundraising event, which starts on Tuesday 1 February, will see higher and further education providers across the country work to cover 2,022 miles each.

Activities involving walking, jogging, running, swimming, rowing, pushing a wheelchair, paddling, cycling and hand-cycling can all contribute towards hitting the target.

As part of the challenge, students and staff can sign up to a º£½ÇÖ±²¥ challenge and record their progress.

Money can also be donated on the University’s BRIT Challenge with funds raised going towards supporting young adult and student mental health.

Team º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s 2022 BRIT Challenge will close on Thursday 3 March, which is national University Mental Health Day, with a fun run around the University campus.

There are various events taking place during the BRIT Challenge which students and staff can sign up to:

• Tuesday 8 February – Group walks at 12.00pm-1.00pm and 1.00pm-2.00pm
• Friday 11 February – Climbing sessions between 10.00am-4.00pm
• Tuesday 15 February – Group walks at 12.00pm-1.00pm and 1.00pm-2.00pm
• Friday 18 February – Climbing sessions between 10.00am-4.00pm
• Tuesday 22 February – Group walks at 12.00pm-1.00pm and 1.00pm-2.00pm
• Friday 25 February – Climbing sessions between 10.00am-4.00pm
• Tuesday 1 March – Group walks at 12.00pm-1.00pm and 1.00pm-2.00pm
• Thursday 3 March – Climbing sessions between 10.00am-1.00pm.
• Thursday 3 March – Sport fun run between 12.10pm-2.00pm Please book online .

To take part in any of these activities, please book by contacting Outdoor Sports Development Officer Callum Anderson at C.Anderson@tees.ac.uk.

There are also a number of virtual challenges taking place, including walking, treadmill, rowing machine and exercise bike.

Professor Mark Simpson, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching) at º£½ÇÖ±²¥, said: ‘We have undertaken considerable work to strengthen mental health support for our university community.

‘It is well known that exercise and physical activity can have a considerable impact on improving wellbeing and mental health and we are delighted to once again be part of the BRIT Challenge. It provides opportunities for people of all levels and abilities to get involved, try some activities and raise money for a worthy cause.

‘The global pandemic has undoubtedly had an impact on mental health, and it is more important than ever for us to find ways to support our students and staff.’