Right at Home Sponsors Solent Mind Mental Elf Fun Run at Southampton Common
Southampton based Mental Health Charity, Solent Mind, held a fun run to raise money for mental health services; sponsored by Right at Home Solent
Published: 16/12/2023
The Annual Solent Mind Mental Elf Fun Run
On Sunday, 10th December, Hampshire-based charity Solent Mind held its annual Mental Elf Festive Fun Run at Southampton Common to help raise money and awareness. Right at Home Solent was a proud sponsor of the event that brings the community together to help achieve better Mental Health services for Hampshire and get everyone in the festive mood.
What is Solent Mind?
Solent Mind is an independent registered charity and part of a network of over 100 Local Minds who tailor trusted mental health services to their communities. Solent Mind prides itself in ensuring people can trust it; they value:
Open: We reach out to anyone who needs us.
Together: We're stronger in partnership.
Responsive: We listen, we act.
Independent: We speak out fearlessly.
Unstoppable: We never give up.
Solent Mind has different services spanning across Southampton, and further, from anonymous online communities for Mental Health support, well-being centres, talking therapies and self-harm support hubs.
Why is Mental Health Important?
Good mental health helps us to calm and comfort ourselves when we're upset. It helps us cope with losses, changes, fears and uncertainties. Our mental health affects how we think and feel and determines how we deal with stress and make healthy decisions. Despite the importance of mental health, there is still a stigma and taboo surrounding the topic, which increases in certain groups of people like men, older generations and some ethnic groups. We need to break the stigma and start the dialogue around mental health for all. What better way than to dress up as an elf, get festive and walk, jog or run around the tranquil beauty of Southampton Common?
If you're interesting in reading more about Men's Mental Health, go to our World Mental Health Day Blog here.
Supporting Mental Health in Southampton
The Right at Home Solent Co-Owner and Managing Director Kev and his daughter, Recruitment Assistant Jazz, Finance Assistant Alex and his dog Molly, and Marketing Assistant Lucy plus her partner attended the Solent Mind Mental Elf Run 2023. They represented Right at Home Solent and its ongoing support towards Solent Mind and mental health awareness; previous support from our Office Manager Ali and Care Coordinator Mark, who abseiled the Spinnaker Tower for Solent Mind in the summer (see photo!).
They congregated at Southampton Common around 10 am on Sunday, 10th December, collected their numbers and waited at the start line (for Kev to arrive). Jazz and Alex finished their 5K run in 36 minutes; not a personal best, but impressive given the wet and windy conditions! It took the rest of the team a bit longer to complete as they took a more leisurely approach to the event and brought up the rear. They received a wealth of encouragement from all the volunteers on their way around and, eventually, crossed the finish line to receive their certificates and medals.
3 Things We Learnt on the Mental Elf Run
- Even the Grinch cares about Mental Health!
- The Grinch made an appearance in Southampton, riding his bicycle around Southampton Common.
- Being irritable, grumpy and seeking social isolation are hallmarks of depression.
- You can walk a 5K in the rain with a two-year-old and a dog in about an hour.
- Running isn't for everyone, but don't let the idea of a 5K put you off trying; if we can do it, so can you!
- Running isn't for everyone, but don't let the idea of a 5K put you off trying; if we can do it, so can you!
- We can help make a difference when we come together as a community.
- It was cold and miserable weather that Sunday morning, yet many people gathered, ready and raring to go, feeling festive and coming together for an important cause and raising money.
Seasonal Depression, Mental Health and Loneliness at Christmas
Unfortunately, the festive period isn't as joyful for some. A new statistic from Age UK shows that 2.3 million older people wish they had someone to spend time with at Christmas, and 1.6 million find Christmas Day the most challenging day of the year. When asked what makes it a difficult time, 'memories of loved ones who have passed away' was the most prevalent answer. With Christmas being a typically joyful period when family and friends come together, having company and human connection during this is essential. Financial worries are increasing feelings of loneliness and isolation around Christmas this year, affecting all generations - the ever-increasing cost of living means that large numbers of people are sacrificing social expenses; over one million people over 65 say that Christmas is too expensive to celebrate.
4 Tips on Supporting Those That are Lonely at Christmas:
- Arrange a Visit
- Even if it isn't on Christmas Day, make some time for them over the festive period. Even something as simple as a Christmas card, a cup of tea and chat will make them feel so much better.
- Give them a Call
- If you are unable to visit a family member that is alone this Christmas, make time to call them instead. A simple phone call can have a massive impact.
- If you are unable to visit a family member that is alone this Christmas, make time to call them instead. A simple phone call can have a massive impact.
- Drive them to an Event
- Encourage someone you know to get out and about to events over the festive season. Offer to drive them and stay with them, it might be the nudge they need to overcome anxieties they have about going out.
- Encourage someone you know to get out and about to events over the festive season. Offer to drive them and stay with them, it might be the nudge they need to overcome anxieties they have about going out.
- Help with their Shopping
- Even something like popping round and offering to take them shopping.
Find out more by reading our blog "How to Suppose Those That are Lonely at Christmas".
Resources for Mental Health in Southampton
Age UK provides expert advice, practical support and crucial friendship - on Christmas Day and every day. In 2022, the Age UK Advice Line answered 205,934 calls, offering guidance and support.
Solent Mind supports around 26,000 people every year. They have several resources and blogs to help those struggling with their mental health.
Rethink Southampton challenges attitudes surrounding mental health and offers advice, counselling, emotional support, information and more. They hold a peer-led support group for carers and the family members of people living with mental illness.
Second Tuesday of every month between 6:30 pm-8:30 pm at Sholing Baptist Church, 104 Middle Road, Southampton SO19 8FS.
Email: sotoneastcarersgroup@rethink.org
Right at Home Solent offers an array of services that can help you or your loved ones living with a mental illness. We don't just provide personal care like help washing and going to the toilet. We provide all-round support, including companionship and respite care. Read our blogs to find out more about these services, or go to our Services Page to explore more services we have to offer.
