With the number of young people referred to its social inclusion programmes increasing, Northampton Saints Foundation has organised a community mental health walk to raise both awareness and the funds that are vital to keeping its services running. This event aims to bring together individuals, families and groups in a collective effort to promote mental health and wellbeing, and will be held at Irchester Country Park on Sunday, September 8.
Northampton Saints Foundation channels the rich history of Northampton Saints, using the power of sport and the values of rugby to inspire, support and educate thousands of people each year. Its education and social inclusion programmes help young people whose mental health issues affect their ability to attend school. A recent report by The Centre for Mental Health and the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition suggested that ‘growing levels of school absence are being exacerbated by poor mental health among young people, made worse by poverty and long waits for support’.
It is thought that one in five children now experiences a mental health difficulty, up from one in nine in 2017, and that many wait unacceptable lengths of time to receive support, which in turn prevents them from engaging in education. The report says that punitive approaches to improving attendance, such as fining parents, won’t work and may even make matters worse, especially for families struggling with poverty and unmet mental health needs. The report expresses that children can best be supported to attend school by increasing the availability of mental health support in both schools and the community. Northampton Saints Foundation’s education and social inclusion programmes aim to help the current generation develop new skills, improve mental and physical health, and, where appropriate, return to education, training or employment.
The Foundation is appealing for participants to join the walk, which includes 5k and 10k routes, and raise funds. It costs £5 per person or £10 per family (up to two adults and four children) with individuals being asked to raise a minimum of £50 per person and families a minimum of £100 per family. Those taking part will receive a medal on completion, as well as a chance to meet Bernie, the Saints mascot, and Foundation Ambassadors.
All funds raised will make a difference to young lives:
- £3.50 could pay for a healthy lunch for a student
- £7.50 could pay for a sports activity for a student to support their mental and physical health
- £25 could pay for workbooks for 10 students to track their progress whilst with the Foundation
- £60 could pay for an art therapy session for a group of nine students.
Catherine Deans, Managing Director of Northampton Saints Foundation said:
“This is the first year we’ve held this fundraising event, and we’d love to see it build over the years into a regular fixture on the calendar. We want to invite anyone who would like to join us for a lovely walk at the beautiful Irchester Country Park to come along and off er their support to a cause that makes such a difference to so many lives.”
To find out more, contact Imogen Martin at imogen.martin@northamptonsaintsfoundation.org to register your interest and pay the joining fee, or visit Northampton Saints Foundation’s Mental Health Walk event page here.
