Wales Coastal Path Challenge - Sialens Llwybr Arfordir Cymru

Organised by The DPJ Foundation

The Wales Coastal Path Challenge is a virtual challenge to run or walk the length of the Wales Coast Path within 3 months between 26 April and 18 July. By taking part or donating to this challenge you are helping support mental health in agriculture

Story

The DPJ Foundation is the leading mental health charity working with the agricultural community in Wales. Established in July 2016 following the death by suicide of Daniel Picton Jones, the DPJ Foundation raises awareness of mental health in rural communities and provides support when it is needed most.

We wanted to do something to bring people together, even when being physically together might not be possible, to be active and to have fun. That is how this challenge was born.

Physical activity can have a positive impact on mental health. We wanted to do something that allowed participants to boost their wellbeing after what has been a difficult time, raise awareness of rural mental health and support the Foundation. - Sian Bowsley, Trustee

You can find out more about the event or sign up at https://bit.ly/3wXP1Mb

Share the Load the DPJ Foundations confidential 24-hour telephone (0800 587 4262) and text (07860 048 799) line provides callers with access to Samaritans trained volunteers who will listen without judgement and who can help. Through Share the Load, callers can also get access to qualified counsellors, free of charge, within a week of their call to the service. Since being established in January 2018, Share the Load has supported over 350 callers with counselling, supporting many more just by being there when needed.

I am sure that there are farming families who are finding the challenges of Coronavirus on top of the day-to-day challenges a real strain. I would encourage them to reach out for help as I did - Huw, farmer

As not everyone will make a call to Share the Load, the DPJ Foundation also supports the wider rural community to help each other through bespoke agricultural Mental Health Awareness training. This enables people to spot the signs of poor mental health and to build confidence to help as well as knowing how to look after their own wellbeing.

I really enjoyed taking part today having the time to hear the facts and information, and being able to put some thought into mental health and how I might be in a better position to support someone. Thank you.