In recent years it's become clear that we urgently need to tackle the stigma of mental health issues and raise awareness across society.  I am a big supporter of this, we should all be able to speak about mental health more freely and openly and if I can find ways to try raise awareness I will. Self care is very important, which we all can struggle with sometimes myself included.

The DPJ Foundation has shone a light specifically on how workers in  rural industries can be affected. The charity was shared to me by an ex colleague and friend, they are the leading mental health charity for the agricultural community in Wales. 

The charity has created a walking / running challenge. This challenge will see teams of 4 virtually complete the full length of the Wales Coastal Path (870 miles) on foot within 3 months.

I shared this challenge with my colleagues to see if anyone would do this with me and I was amazed at the response. I managed to get together 7 teams of 4 across our various Forestry office locations in the UK. I thought this would be good for us to do something to bring us together, whilst we are still in a semi lockdown and also raise awareness for the importance of mental health and general well-being in us all. Hopefully, it will keep us active and might actually be fun too, although some of us are a bit nervous of the miles we will need to clock up! It's quite a challenge! 

Should anyone be willing to sponsor us in being able to achieve this mileage this would mean a lot to me, my colleagues (friends) and my chosen charity. 

Thank you, Jody