Cardiff’s university students have been taking a break from the books, and getting on their bikes, to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing.
Students living in CRM Student accommodation across Cardiff took part in a unique cycling, walking and rowing challenge on Tuesday (May 14).
Organisers encouraged students to pedal, walk and row miles – with CRM Students’ five accommodation blocks clocking up an incredible 1,197 miles on Tuesday alone.
Students pledged to cycle, row or walk miles, while CRM Students’ corporate partners backing their efforts with charitable donations.
Money raised is supporting Student Minds, the UK’s student mental health charity. Funds will help their important work to empower students and members of the university community to look after their own mental health, support others and create change.
The event fell during Mental Health Awareness Week (13 to 19 of May) – joining other events across Cardiff, Wales and the UK highlighting the importance of good mental health.
Students were free to donate miles in their own time, and around their study commitments.
The event aimed to help students to relax, and de-stress, during the busy examination period – with exercise often a “fantastic way” to deal with the mental strain academic life can pose.
Zoe House, of CRM Students, said: “Students were urged to spend some time away from their desks, and donate cycling, walking or rowing miles, as we raise awareness for the Student Minds charity.
“Almost 1,200 miles were clocked up and, most importantly, discussions had around the vital issue of good student mental health.
“Exercise is a fantastic way to de-stress, and cope with some of the challenges posed by academic life – so it was fantastic to see so many students taking part.
“Students based at CRM Student sites do so many amazing things – and it was so encouraging to see so many of them come together to donate miles, raise awareness of a vital cause, and spend some time away from the books to socialize, keep fit and have fun.”
Kate Mitchell, from Student Minds, added: “We are so grateful that CRM have chosen to raise money in aid of Student Minds, as the work we do simply wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of our supporters across the country.”
Find out more about Student Minds online and their work to transform the state of student mental health so that all in higher education can thrive.
