Buckinghamshire mental health charity launches Challenge28 fundraiser for February
A mental health charity is showing its support to children waiting on statutory care next month by hosting a running challenge which fundraisers can complete from home.
Response is encouraging people to sign up to Challenge28 by inviting participants to complete 28 miles across February in a way that works for them.
Miles can be walked, run, wheeled or cycled, at any pace, in any location, and split across the month.
The milestone has been set after figures from the Children’s Commissioner found 28 per cent of children and young people who were referred to statutory mental health services in 2022 and 2023 were still waiting for support a year later.
The same report revealed nearly 40,000 children are waiting at least two years to access the support required, with the most common reason for referral being anxiety.
Emma Murphy, Associate Director of Fundraising at Response, hopes people will now help relieve the pressure on statutory services locally by raising £100 each.
“We’re in the midst of a mental health crisis,” said Emma. “Demand for statutory services has skyrocketed post-pandemic, prompting lengthy waiting lists which only increase the risk to a person’s long-term mental wellbeing.
“We believe in preventative mental health and wellbeing support for people, by connecting those experiencing personal challenges to our team who specialise in evidence-based treatments and interventions.
“This means supporting people earlier, before things reach crisis point, while also easing pressure on statutory services and long waiting lists. Challenge28 is for everyone. Whether you walk, wheel, run or move in another way, it’s about taking part, raising awareness and helping people get support sooner.”
Funds raised from Challenge28 will help Response support children, young people and adults with their mental health.
The charity works closely with schools, Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), GPs, and other professionals to ensure young people and families have the support they need when it is required.
Last year, Response supported 2,380 young people by helping them to build a brighter future.
“It isn’t acceptable 28 per cent of children referred to statutory services in 2022 and 2023 were still waiting for support at least a year after their referral,” said Emma.
“That’s what we plan to bring attention to through Challenge28.
“It’s an opportunity to get moving through February, and give back to your community because we know one in five people aged eight to 25 live with a probable mental health condition.”
Further details about Response’s Challenge28 fundraiser, including how to sign up, are available online via Challenge 28 - Response. The charity operates across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and beyond and provides support for people aged 11 and above.
Participants are challenged to complete 28 miles across February, at a pace and in a way that suits them, whether spread across the month or done all at once.