M&S staff from across the North East are putting their running shoes on for a good cause. Store managers and deputy managers from four branches in the region have teamed up to take on the 13.1 mile route from Newcastle to South Shields to raise money for UK mental health charity, YoungMinds. And before they even reach the start line, the team has already smashed their £5,000 target, raising more than £6,800 for the cause.
The Importance of Mental Health Support for Young People
The decision to support YoungMinds is deeply rooted in the understanding of the mental health challenges faced by young people. Research commissioned last year by M&S and YoungMinds revealed a sobering reality: despite struggling with their mental health, 65% of young people hadn't asked for any kind of formal support, and 33% of those said they felt too embarrassed to reach out for help. The research further highlighted that loneliness was the primary cause of mental health problems among the young people surveyed. This emphasizes the need for increased awareness and accessibility of mental health support for young people, especially considering that 61% of those waiting for mental health support said they had stopped attending school, college, university, or work – risking greater isolation from their friends.
YoungMinds: A Beacon of Hope for Young People
YoungMinds, M&S' charity partner, plays a vital role in providing mental health support for young people across the UK and the adults in their lives. The charity runs a parents helpline, providing advice and support to those navigating the complexities of young people's mental health. The partnership between M&S and YoungMinds, announced last October, aims to raise £5million over the next three years to support seven million young people and the adults in their lives. This ambitious goal signifies a commitment to tackling the mental health crisis facing young people head-on.
M&S' Ongoing Efforts to Support YoungMinds
The Great North Run is just one of many initiatives undertaken by M&S to support YoungMinds. The retailer has already raised more than £2.1million through various in-store events across its North East stores. One notable event was the 'Paint the North East Yellow' day, where M&S colleagues swapped their uniform for yellow clothes in support of YoungMinds. These efforts demonstrate M&S' dedication to promoting awareness and raising funds for YoungMinds' critical work.
A Team United in Purpose
The team participating in the Great North Run comprises Hellen Chaganis, Store Manager at M&S Durham Arnison; Rob Slone, Store Manager at M&S The Galleries; Zoe Bober, Deputy Store Manager at M&S Silverlink in North Tyneside; Vicky Stephenson and Josh Cooper, Deputy Store Managers at M&S Metrocentre in Gateshead. These individuals have been training for months, showcasing their commitment to supporting YoungMinds and their unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of young people. Their efforts are driven by a shared belief in the importance of mental health support and the positive impact YoungMinds has on the lives of countless individuals.
The Power of Collective Action
Hellen Chaganis, a participant in the Great North Run, eloquently expressed the team's motivation, stating: "We are incredibly excited, and slightly nervous, for this Sunday! The training has been a real challenge, but what has got us through is the fantastic support we’ve had from the entire M&S team in the North East and our incredible customers." She further added: "We cannot believe we hit our target and with 3 days still to go we're hoping to raise even more. YoungMinds is a charity really close to our hearts and they do fantastic work in supporting young people, their parents and carers - for parents like Rob and I it's good to know there are people to turn too should our children need support. We are so proud to be playing our part in helping support YoungMinds work and we will be easy to spot, crossing the finishing line in our yellow YoungMinds t-shirts!" These words highlight the collective effort and unwavering support from the M&S team and their customers, creating a powerful force behind the cause.
A Call to Action
Laura Bunt, Chief Executive of YoungMinds, emphasized the growing need for mental health support for young people: "Life is increasingly tough for young people and record numbers are in need of support for their mental health. When they're able to access the help they need, things can get better, but the wait for support is often too long or the right support isn't available." She added: "Together with M&S, we want to show young people that together we can turn things around. The incredible fundraising efforts of Hellen, Rob, Zoe, Josh, Vicky and the whole team at M&S will help us reach and support more young people and the adults in their lives – the whole YoungMinds team will be cheering them on this Sunday!" Bunt's statement emphasizes the urgency of providing mental health support for young people and the crucial role that collective action plays in making a real difference.
A Legacy of Support
The M&S team's participation in the Great North Run, alongside their ongoing fundraising efforts, exemplifies a commitment to supporting YoungMinds' mission of empowering young people and promoting their mental well-being. The team's dedication to this cause highlights the profound impact that individual actions can have when united by a common purpose. Their efforts serve as an inspiration, encouraging others to contribute to the cause and make a difference in the lives of young people.
Running for a Brighter Future
The M&S team's participation in the Great North Run represents more than just a physical challenge; it symbolizes a commitment to creating a brighter future for young people. Their dedication to supporting YoungMinds and their unwavering belief in the power of collective action are testaments to the importance of mental health support for young people. As they cross the finish line, their efforts will not only raise vital funds for YoungMinds but also serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to join the movement and support the mental well-being of future generations. This is a cause that deserves our attention and support. Let's all run together for a brighter future for young people.
