University walk raises several thousand pounds for mental health charity

A rural ‘walk and talk’ around the outskirts of Exeter has raised several thousand pounds to support health and wellbeing for children and young people.

Staff, alumni and friends of the University of Exeter walked up to 20 miles to raise awareness of mental health and fundraise for the ChYMe (Children and Young People’s Mental Health) project within the University’s faculty of Health and Life Sciences.

The walk, held as part of Mental Health Awareness Week, was orchestrated by the University’s Global Advancement department, and led by local support organisation RVONE.

Children as young as eight took part, and it’s hoped that this will be the first of many annual sponsored walks and community events to raise vital support, awareness and funds for impactful work across the University.

Dave Watson, Assistant Director within the Global Advancement team, paid tribute to the 30-strong team of walkers, saying: “A huge thank you to everyone who took part and who supported our event at the weekend. It really was a great day filled with positivity and a drive to be a part of making a change to our young people’s mental health and well-being.

“The statistics around mental health are pretty stark, with one-in-four teens aged 17-19 having a probable mental health disorder. We encourage our local community to get involved and take part alongside us in next year’s event.”

The event has raised more than £2,250 for ChYMe, with all money set to go towards funding a community outreach event for young people and their families across the South West who are facing difficulties with their own mental health and wellbeing.

To find out more about the project’s work, visit the ChYMe website. To register your interest in taking part in future community events, email alumni@exeter.ac.uk.