Step Into January 2026

Jump start Your New Year with Wellbeing, Motivation and a Fresh Start!

Our Step into January challenge is a gentle and inspiring way to improve your wellbeing, build healthy habits and support your local mental health services at the same time. Whether you want to move more, learn something new, reconnect with others or simply feel better in yourself, Step into January gives you small daily boosts to help you start the year strong. We know that January can feel like a long, heavy month. Darker days, post-Christmas pressure, and the challenge of getting back into routine.

Why Take Part?

Simple, regular activity can lift mood, reduce stress and anxiety, boost self-esteem and improve overall wellbeing.

Step into January is designed to support your mental health throughout winter by helping you:

• build positive routines

• feel more energised

• reconnect with yourself and others

• take small steps that make a big difference

• support local mental health services through fundraising

You can take part on your own, as a family, or with colleagues and friends, everyone is welcome!

How It Works

From (insert date), choose one challenge or mix a few together. These are just a few ideas to inspire you, you’re free to shape the challenge in any way that supports your wellbeing.

Get Active

• Couch to 5K

• Daily walks

• 10,000 steps

• A workplace step challenge

Healthy Habit Challenges

• Dry January

• No-Spend January (donate the savings if you’d like!)

• Reduce screen time

• Drink more water

Wellbeing Goals

• Learn a new skill, craft or sport

• Try a new recipe each week

• Join a community walk

Team Activities

Perfect for workplaces, gyms, padel clubs, community groups & sports teams:

• Step-count competitions

• Department vs. department wellbeing goals

• Weekly group walks or activity sessions

Add Fundraising!

Every January action can help support our counselling, Support Line, wellbeing groups and mental health services across the region.

Here are some easy ways to add a fundraising twist:

• Donate £1 every time you complete your daily challenge

• Get sponsored for Couch to 5K or your steps target

• Host a small bake sale or coffee morning at work

• Create a team fundraising page with colleagues

• Sell crafts, unwanted gifts or Vinted items

• Dry January or No-Spend January sponsorship

Even small amounts can have a big impact locally.

How your fundraising helps -

Tyneside and Northumberland Mind provide vital mental health and wellbeing support to people across our region. We offer counselling, a seven-day Support Line, wellbeing groups, one-to-one support, Safe Space sessions and mental health training. No one needs to struggle alone.

By taking part in Step into January, you’re helping us continue delivering these life-changing services to local people who need support. Every donation, challenge and small action throughout January directly contributes to keeping these essential services available in our local community.

Ready to Step into January?

You can join as an individual, pair, family, or workplace.

Take the first step to a healthier, happier start to the year.

If you need more resources including collection buckets, posters or T-shirts, please get in touch with us at - fundraising@tynesidemind.org.uk