Richard Luscombe The team behind Argyle Community Trust are taking part in a month-long challenge to champion the benefits of movement on physical and mental health and wellbeing.
Whether it be a regular stomp with friends, walking the dog, hiking alone with some good music, or steps on a treadmill, staff will be putting their best foot forward for
The ‘Pilgrim Pace Challenge.’ There will be weekly steps challenges and a fun opportunity to get moving, build healthy habits, and enjoy some friendly competition with colleagues from across the organisation.
The challenge aligns with National Walking Month, and Mental Health Awareness Week (May 11-17), making it the perfect time to focus on the benefits of walking and staying active, with regular movement proven to help support wellbeing, reduce stress, and improve overall mental health.
Staff will track their daily steps throughout the month, starting on Monday, 4 May. At the end of each week tracker screenshots will be collated and added to an overall leaderboard where incentives will be provided for most steps, most improved and most consistent. Updates will be posted to Trust socials across the month.
As well as the competition, staff are being asked to film quick video clips of them on a walk explaining the benefits of walking on their mental health. These personal stories will be shared across socials during Mental Health Awareness Week.
The evidence of the benefits of movement to both physical and mental health is well documented. Research by the Mental Health Foundation showed that 82% of people believe that regular physical activity is important for mental health and wellbeing. However, over a third of UK adults do not meet the recommendations set out by the World Health Organisation.
Argyle Community Trust have many provisions for males and females of all ages to remove barriers and support people to become more active, including walk and talks with Devon Mind, walking football, Fit Fans, and Active Through Football. For more information on how you can get involved, email trevor.higgins@pafc.co.uk.
