During March YMCA Bedfordshire housing staff and residents will be running a virtual marathon to raise awareness and funds to support their services in Bedford.

As the pandemic has progressed many of our residents have struggled with the impact of lockdown on their mental health and sense of wellbeing. Many have had their dream of independent living pushed back and are still waiting to be allocated property.

The lack of socialising space and community interaction due to the need to isolate and stay safe has been a real catalyst for staff to seek new initiative ways to help people engage. However, theyre really aware that once lockdown ends their residents are going to have several additional practical needs moving forward.

'The idea behind the Move In, Move On Marathon, which will see staff and residents running or walking a mile a day on a treadmill, is that we will not only be able to motivate residents struggling with lockdown fatigue to be involved and get active, but we can also raise funds to help support costs associated with our services. I am personally challenging myself to cycle 26 miles a week throughout March, which is definitely going to be a shock for my system having spent the majority of lockdown on my sofa! 'Parmjit Daniels Bedford Housing Manager.

If you would like to get involved you can either make a donation HERE, or if you want to run your own March marathon, you can set up your own Just Giving page HERE.

Heres an idea of how any donation and funds raised will be spent

Move in-

£5- Toiletries

£10- Basic food move in care package

£15- Kettle & Toaster

£20- Bedding

(£50 buys a resident all of the above)

Move on-

£100- Single bed (includes mattress)

£150- Double bed (includes mattress)

£150- Full bedroom set includes- wardrobe, chest of draws & bedside draws

The only way to great work is to love what you do- Here at YMCA we support everyone to reach their full potential! It has never been a more important time to engage, stay safe and encourage resident involvement. We are looking forward to staying active with our residents and smashing our goal of 26miles!! Nadine Beckford Housing Team Leader.