People on Yorkshire coast urged to plan for exercise

A mental health charity has started its ‘Step into January 2021’ campaign.

Author: Jon BurkePublished 3rd Nov 2020

Local mental health charity Hull and East Yorkshire Mind have launched a brand new campaign to encourage people across Hull and East Yorkshire to run, walk or move every day in January 2021, in a bid to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

The ‘Step into January’ campaign, which officially launched on 1st November 2020, is all about getting active during January. It focuses on the benefits of getting active and how this can improve your mental health and increase feelings of wellbeing.

Research shows that getting active can reduce anxiety and stress, combat low mood and increase self-esteem – contributing to feeling good on the inside and out.

The charity says that for some people January can be a difficult month, especially in the current Coronavirus pandemic. So this is a great way to jump-start 2021 in a positive way, and raise funds for Hull and East Yorkshire Mind.

Trustee at Hull and East Yorkshire Mind, Mike Gill, who's a keen runner said:

“I want to emphasize the need for us all to just keep moving. It’s so important for our physical and mental health to be active. Whether it’s gardening, vacuuming the car, or walking the dog, it all counts.

Our aim is that this campaign makes it easy for people to take part, and that it encourages them to take that first step to get moving. I’d tell people not to worry if they can’t walk or run too far, just give Step into January a go, and you’ll be surprised by what you can achieve.”

Community Fundraiser at Hull and East Yorkshire Mind, Marie-Louise Robinson, said:

“Step into January is a great way to get motivated at the start of the year. It’s all about encouraging people to do whatever physical exercise they can, at a pace that’s right for them, to help boost their mood.

By taking part in this campaign, we hope that people will feel better, raise awareness of the importance of mental health, and raise some much-needed funds for Hull and East Yorkshire Mind too.’’

However you choose to take part, Hull and East Yorkshire Mind will be there to support you and keep you motivated every step of the way.

It’s easy to sign up – simply visit www.heymind.org.uk/step-into-january and get ready to start your 2021 in the best possible way. The first 50 people to sign up will receive a free pair of our specially designed Step into January shoelaces.