Northants Mind to host 5k family fun run to fund vital mental health services.

Mental Elf is a unique event that focuses on bringing people together, not only to fundraise but to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing locally. It promotes the benefits of physical activity, connecting with people and doing something to help others. Choose to walk, run or jog – the event is open to all abilities and ages.

With hubs in Northampton, Daventry, Corby, Rushden, Wellingborough, Towcester and Brackley, Northamptonshire Mind is the county’s largest mental health charity. Celebrating its 60th year, the charity offers a wide range of services from counselling and peer support to training for businesses. As a local, independent charity run by local people, for local people, Northamptonshire Mind is responsible for its own funding and services. Events like Mental Elf help to raise funds to continue life-saving services across the county.

Tickets available now: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mental-elf-festive-fun-run

Sarah Hillier, Northamptonshire Mind CEO:

“Running or walking can help us switch off from everyday pressures, relieve stress and give us time to clear our heads. When you exercise, you release ‘feel good’ hormones called endorphins which can help reduce negative feelings and improve your mood. It’s a natural way of reducing levels of cortisol, often known as the ‘stress hormone’, which has been linked to a range of mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.

“Joining our fun, inclusive 5k family fun run is a great opportunity to boost your mental and physical health while also raising vital funds to help us in our fight to make sure everyone in Northamptonshire with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.”

There are lots of ways to support Northamptonshire Mind including volunteering, fundraising and attending their upcoming 60th Anniversary fundraising events:

• 60th Anniversary Concert, 19th October, 18:00 – 21:00, Wellingborough United Reform Church, High Street, Wellingborough, NN8 4HW.
• 60 Years of Northamptonshire Mind - Art & History Exhibition, 12th November, 19:00 – 21:00, Victoria Centre, 46-50 Palk Rd, Wellingborough NN8 1HR.
• 60th Anniversary Winter Ball, 23rd November, 18:30 - 00:30, Mercure Hotel, Silver Street, Northampton NN1 2TA.
• Mental Elf Festive Fun Run, 1st December, 10:00, Irchester Country Park, Gipsy Lane, Little Irchester, NN29 7DL.

Visit Northamptonshire Mind’s website for more information and for mental health support: www.northamptonshiremind.org.uk