Islanders in Jersey are cooking up creative exercise challenges to support Mind Jersey and the mental wellbeing of others during the Covid-19 lockdown. Adam Burt, Sarah Tambling, Paula Volante and Claudia Williams have all put their endurance to the test, with Cameron Elliot setting others an accountability challenge, in an effort to raise funds for the island’s premier mental health charity.
Adam Burt will be looking to run a total of 500km in 30 days, specifically to help raise awareness of the impact the Covid-19 crisis may have on people’s mental wellbeing. He intends to run a daily target of 16km, to reflect the average of 16 suicides each day in the UK.
Adam said: “The impact of social isolation along with a downturn in the economy will undoubtedly have an impact on peoples’ mental health and may lead to an increase in suicide. The Corona virus poses challenges to each and every one of us in the community and having lost someone close to me through suicide, I wanted to do something to support Mind Jersey and the vital work that they do for our community.”
Sarah Tambling decided to create a ‘100-burpees-a-day’ challenge following the sense of achievement she had from including it in a personal work out and invited Paula Volante and Claudia Williams to complete the challenge with her for the whole of April. The trio will be nominating individuals to take part through social media and to make a donation to Mind Jersey, giving them something to structure their day around that will provide them with a rush of endorphins and make them feel good!
To date they have raised just over £700 of their £1,000 target. Sarah said: “Mental health should be a priority at this time because of all this change and uncertainty coupled with a loss of loved ones and jobs. I am so pleased I did this challenge with Claudia and Paula as it has been great to connect with them every day to explore new ways of tackling our challenge.”
Cameron Elliot is offering others the chance to get active, devising an Accountability Challenge which he hopes will keep people motivated, fit and mentally healthy during the lockdown. His challenge will include a five-point plan to push people outside of their comfort zones, along with yoga and guided meditation sessions through the Facebook group Jersey Health & Fitness Community.
Cameron said: “I know first-hand the benefits of having a structured eating and training routine so I’m hoping this challenge will offer hundreds of people the focus they need, along with a super supportive online community. I want people to come out of the other side of this with a clearer mind and more confidence with their physical self.” Cameron will be splitting the proceeds of his challenge between Mind Jersey and Silkworth Charity Group.
Executive Director of Mind, James Le Feuvre, said: “It is so encouraging to see so many people recognising the importance of maintaining good mental health at this difficult time. Keeping active is a great way to combat feelings of stress, anxiety or depression. We really appreciate the efforts of these individuals and wish them every success in their challenges and hope that the community will support them and give generously.”
To support these individuals and a very worthwhile cause please visit the Jersey Health & Fitness Facebook Group and Justgiving.com and search out their names or Mind Jersey.
