Runners return to Hull East Park for 'Mental Elf' charity event
Mental health charity Mind said Christmas can be a particularly lonely time of year for some people.
Runners will descend on East Park in Hull today for Hull and East Yorkshire Mind's 'Mental Elf' 5k run. The mental health charity will raise money to help more people in the area who are struggling over the festive period.
Hull and East Yorkshire Mind Community Fundraiser Marie-Louise Robinson said: "Christmas can be a difficult and lonely time for some people, it's about getting people out into the park, into nature, talking to other people - you can walk, run or skip!
"We're getting free coffee from Starbucks on Clough Road because it's going to be cold! We've got free mince pies from local supermarkets - it's a real community event to bring people together, talk to each other and have a bit of fun."
2022 saw the first Mental Elf run in Hull, with people getting into the Christmas spirit with the elf costumes. Marie Louise said it was an "uplifting, joyous occasion."
If you, or someone you know is suffering with their mental health, or experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can speak to your GP. If someone's life is in danger - call 999 immediately.
You can also find help and advice from these services:
Hub of Hope - https://hubofhope.co.uk
Samaritans – Call 116123 - https://www.samaritans.org
Mind - 0300 123 3393 - https://www.mind.org.uk