350 Young Welsh People Step out for Mental Health in theWelsh1000walk 2019

Police Youth Volunteers Participating in 2018

 Organisers of theWelsh1000walk are encouraging young people to get out into nature this April – all while raising money for Mind Cymru.

Now in its fourth year, theWelsh1000walk – which takes place on Saturday 27^th April – is a community focused event that uses the beautiful Welsh Coastal Path & Offa’s Dyke National Trail. It was set up by a team of volunteers to focus on & raise funds for mental health charities.

Ian Walker from theWelsh1000walk said: “We are thrilled that so many young people have engaged this year. It drives a huge focus on the mental health agenda and early engagement is critical to the importance of better mental health. Young people throughout Wales can shape the future for greater understanding of mental health issues and ensure that greater priority is placed on this throughout society.”

For the past two years, theWelsh1000walk has picked Mind Cymru as its chosen charity. Last year the event raised over £17,000 and this time around they are hoping to raise even more.

Director of Mind Cymru, Sara Moseley, said: “I am delighted the Welsh1000walk has chosen Mind Cymru as its charity once again, and it’s wonderful to see so many young people getting involved.

“We know that one in ten young people has a diagnosable mental health problem – that’s around three in every class of 30 pupils. Getting outdoors and physically active in our beautiful country can have real benefits for everyone’s mental health and wellbeing.

“No matter how old you are, getting out and about in nature can help you to reconnect with the world around you. Mind is now working with young people to take on this important challenge.  Using our expertise, nationally and locally, we can improve the existing level of mental health support for young people.”

Among the young people taking part are fifteen Police Youth Volunteer units from all four Welsh Police Forces, alongside eight Welsh Explorer Scout Groups.

Chief Inspector Jason Rees of South Wales Police said: “Colleagues and Police Youth Volunteers from all four Welsh police forces are looking forward to supporting theWelsh1000walk in April 2019. It is vitally important that as officers and staff we take care of our mental health and wellbeing. Taking part in physical activity is a key component of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and as such we will play our part in ensuring this event is a success whilst assisting in raising funds for worthwhile causes.”

Rhian Moore, the Chief Commissioner for Scouts Cymru, added: “I am delighted that some of our Explorer Scouts are involved in the walk this year, supporting the work of Mind Cymru. Scouting in Wales gives opportunities for young people to develop skills for life, which includes mental wellbeing and resilience. Talking about their experiences with others and understanding how to care for their mental health, as well as encouraging others to do the same, is key in an increasingly complex world. Supporting our communities and helping those around us has always been a fundamental part of what we do. Hopefully by joining the walk our Scouts will encourage others to think about what they can do to help both themselves and others, as well as know where to go for help and advice on maintaining their mental wellbeing.”

To sign up for a walk, visit www.thewelsh1000walk.com and click on the ‘walks’ page, where you will find a full list of walks and their locations. Each one is graded by length and difficulty. You can choose from being guided by an experienced volunteer leader, assemble your own team and guide yourselves or just walk as an individual. All funds raised, either through people signing up to a walk, raising sponsorship or donating directly will go to Mind. Alternatively, for more information email thewelsh1000walk@gmail.co

To donate please visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thewelsh-1000walk2019

Follow us on

https://twitter.com/thewelsh1000

www.facebook.com/thewelsh1000

https://www.instagram.com/thewelsh1000walk16