An EPUT staff member has taken part in Movember’s Move 60km challenge to raise awareness of men’s mental health.
Movember is a month-long awareness event which takes place throughout November each year to raise awareness of men’s mental and physical health.
As part of the campaign this year, people were encouraged to either walk, run or cycle 60km in November to remember the 60 men who die as a result of suicide across the world every hour.
Stuart Hastings, Employee Experience Manager, did a combined 60km of running, climbing stairs in the gym, and walking.
Stuart said: “I enjoy running anyway and run a few times per week, so thought the challenge advertised on the Movember website was a good way to push myself and incorporate what I love while raising awareness of men’s mental and physical health.
“I feel so much better after I have been on a run. It’s a good way for me to collect my thoughts while enjoying the benefits of physical exercise. I’d recommend to everyone the benefits of being more active!”
NHS Mind Matters describes benefits of physical exercise on our mental health such as
- reducing tension, anxiety, stress and mental fatigue
- helping to calm the mind, including feelings of anger, frustration and sadness
- reducing loneliness by offering new ways to get together and meet new people
If you are struggling with your mental health, our Therapy for You (NHS Talking Therapies) service provides free talking therapies for adults in south east Essex and north east Essex. Visit www.therapyforyou.co.uk for more information.
If you are in crisis, call 111 for immediate and specialist support. 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is a single point of contact for anyone in crisis or in need of support of behalf of someone else.
You will be put through to trained staff, who will give you advice and support.