Edinburgh University Women's Association Football Club has challenged its members to complete 4 Miles Every 4 Hours For 24 Hours in aid of the fantastic charity Health in Mind. Starting at 12pm on Saturday 22 May, our members will be running, walking, cycling or skating 4 miles every 4 hours with the final activity happening at 12pm on Sunday 23 May. I will be running all seven parts of the challenge to complete 28 miles in just over one day. This will be more running than I have ever done in a week, and it will be a real physical and mental challenge. However, this does not compare to the challenges that many people have faced over the past year due to the pandemic. Statistics have shown a significant rise in people experiencing poor mental health, and mental health support is more important than ever. 

Health in Mind is a charity promoting positive mental health and wellbeing. Their unique mix of services includes befriending projects, information, counselling services and specialised trauma support. During this challenging time, many of their services have been moved to online and over-the-phone support. Health in Mind uses creative and innovative approaches to continue supporting people. For example, they hold a fortnightly peer support group using Zoom and have launched a distance befriending project to support those struggling with isolation and loneliness during this time. Fundraising and donations have enabled more than 3,000 people every year to access the help they need.

Although the past year has been challenging and frustrating for me as a final year student, I really want to help make a difference and contribute to something positive. So please do spare a donation if you are able to!