Highland communities invited to walk 30 miles this autumn to support mental health
People across the Highlands are being invited to take part in a simple autumn walking challenge that will help support mental health and wellbeing services in communities across the region.
Centred Scotland has launched Walk 30 Miles This Autumn for Mental Health, encouraging people to complete 30 miles in their own way by 30 November, while raising funds to support mental health and wellbeing services across the Highlands.
Whether participants choose to walk a mile at a time, take on longer walks at weekends, explore local routes or complete the challenge alongside friends, family, colleagues or community groups, the challenge is designed to be flexible and accessible for everyone.
Everyone who signs up will receive a free Centred beanie and can choose to fundraise for the area of Centred Scotland’s work they feel most connected to: Centred’s core services, award-winning Discovery College or Clarity Walks.
As the largest mental health charity in the Scottish Highlands, Centred Scotland supports people across a vast geographical area, including some of Scotland’s most remote communities. For almost 40 years, the organisation has helped people access mental health and wellbeing support, reduce isolation, and build stronger connections.
It has an initial target of raising £5,000 to help continue providing life-changing services that promote wellbeing, reduce isolation and improve quality of life.
Supporting mental health across the Highlands
Walk 30 Miles This Autumn for Mental Health brings together three areas of Centred Scotland’s work, allowing supporters to choose which part of the charity they would like their fundraising to support.
Christine Butchart, Marketing Manager from Centred said, “We hope this initiative will not only encourage people to get active but also raise awareness of the vital mental health services available in the Highlands. By taking part in the challenge, supporters can improve their own wellbeing while helping ensure others can access the support they need.”
Centred services
Centred provides mental health and wellbeing support across the Highlands, helping people experiencing mental ill-health and other support needs build confidence, develop connections and improve their quality of life.
Discovery College
Discovery College is an award-winning Highland service and the first initiative of its kind in the region, providing free walk-in support for people experiencing mental ill-health or addiction.
No GP referral or appointment is required, helping people access support earlier, before they reach crisis point. Discovery College recently won ‘Community Initiative of the Year’ at the Highland Third Sector Interface Awards and now supports around 140 visits each week. This service receives no statutory funding and relies on donations and fundraising to continue operating.
Clarity Walks
Clarity Walks delivers regular guided walks across Inverness-shire, supporting people experiencing loneliness, isolation, and mental or physical ill-health through connection, movement and time outdoors.
More than 900 free walks have been delivered since the programme began, supporting thousands of people of all ages and abilities. The service is volunteer-led and relies on fundraising support to continue.
The impact of these services can be seen through the experiences of the people who use them.
A Discovery College attendee said, “I heard about the Discovery College on Facebook. I didn’t want to leave the house, I wanted to stay in bed 24/7. After attending, within two weeks my family noticed such a difference in me. I want to get up and enjoy my life. I’ve been able to get local transport by myself, go grocery shopping on my own and I’ve also joined the local netball team.”
A Clarity Walks participant added, “I was encouraged to join Clarity Walk by the Community Mental Health Team. It has proved to be the best thing for me. The group is very friendly, and my mental health certainly benefits from being out in the fresh air. Sometimes I feel low and upset when I go out, but the walks change that. My mind feels more relaxed. The walk leaders are all so helpful and supportive.”
Another person supported by Centred said, “I enjoyed the activities with Centred and being gently pushed out of my comfort zone in a positive way. It was a nice break from my day-to-day life.”
By taking part in Walk 30 Miles This Autumn for Mental Health, supporters can take time for their own wellbeing while helping ensure people across the Highlands can continue accessing vital mental health support.
To register or donate, visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/walk-30-miles-this-autumn, or to find out more, visit www.centred.scot or email fundraising@centred.scot.