Mental ill health among women is on the rise. One in five women experience Common Mental Disorder such as anxiety and depression.

10 women who have never paddle boarded before will come together for a three day challenge in October 2021 to paddle 100 miles between them to raise money for mental health.

In just 12 weeks these courageous women have taken on a sport they have never done before. Overcoming their own anxieties, fears and mental health struggles these women want to give back. They are taking on paddle boarding on Windermere, the largest natural lake in England at more than 11 miles in length and 67 metres deep.

Here is what they have to say about how this challenge has impacted on them....

"My challenge turned out to be different to the one I was expecting. I have been paddling on canals, rivers, the sea and even a swimming pool … but mostly, I have been paddling through fear. We all react differently when faced with new physical and emotional learning. I am on a very wobbly board on a very choppy sea and I am hanging on for dear life! Luckily, I am surrounded by a tribe of beautiful souls – women who are there for each other and who are living big hearted lives. I am still very wobbly and I have fallen in many times (both literally and metaphorically) but I keep on climbing back on."

"When I take part in this challenge I feel a sense of community which makes me feel supported. Talking to people has shown me I am never alone in my situation and with their support my own physical and mental problems become much easier."

"For what seems like a long time now I have put myself and my needs last. I feel I’m very good at hiding how I’m feeling, putting a mask on, just trying to get on with life, running the house, being a mother, a wife, a daughter and all the different roles that I play all while making sure everyone else has the support they need and are ok. What I seem to have forgotten in all of it is ME. Sometimes I’m not even sure who ME is anymore. This challenge is not only about learning something new it is about pushing through my boundaries and anxieties. Being comfortable with finding and taking some time for myself."

"Doing the challenge has been a learning curve to introduce some time for myself. To share fears and excitement with others. I am finding me again as over the last few years I have lost who I was."

"Being offered the opportunity to re-engage with my childhood love of water sports, train to learn new skills outdoors with a group of other mums supporting each other, whilst raising money to help others was fantastic. However, making the time to actually train; exploring to find different places to get on the water and build up techniques, different conditions and distance; finding the kit to fit and the courage to wear it; getting to know other people after such a long time at home; and leaving my hubby & son to their own devices has already proven challenging - and that’s before we even attempt a full weekend away with the unpredictable weather & water conditions!"

"The most important wish was to become part of a circle of people I can call friends. I've never had a circle like that, especially not ladies. I have longed to belong somewhere for so long, masking who I really am."

Please support our ladies as they overcome yet another challenge to support others and break the stigma around mental health.