The Tyneside and Northumberland branch of the Mind charity will hold the first ‘Mental Elf’ fundraiser in the north east, taking place in Exhibition Park on December 3rd. 

Jesmond residents and students are invited to walk or run in order to raise money for the local charity, which offers a number of services for those suffering ill mental health. 

“It’s about raising awareness, and it’s about having fun,” said Lee Walker, fundraiser coordinator at the charity.

“A lot of our activities are about wellbeing, so it might be about looking after your physical health and getting out there,” she added. “Doing something positive that can help your mental health.”

Inspired by the previous success of the ‘Mental Elf’ fundraiser by local Mind charities in Yorkshire, Tyneside and Northumberland Mind are collaborating with approximately 30 local Mind charities nationwide this year. 

Ticket prices start at £13.20 for children aged four to 16, and cost £17.60 for those aged 16 and over. Deals are available for families and teams of up to 10 people, and for children under the age of four, tickets are free. 

One hundred tickets in total are available for purchase. Walker told JesmondLocal it has already gained popularity. 

Mind’s fundraisers aim to raise money for a charity’s service to local communities, but Walker said that this year the charity is not aiming for an exact financial target. Instead, they have prioritised the Christmas spirit and getting a fun atmosphere with family and friends. 

The fundraiser encourages supporters to dress in elf costumes while taking part in either a 5k run or a one-mile walk through Exhibition Park in Jesmond. 

The charity was offered to host the event in Jesmond Dene, but opted against it due to its lack of accessibility. Exhibition Park enables those without access to transport to take part in the event and support the community, explained Walker.

The money raised from the ‘Mental Elf’ fundraiser will go towards Tyneside and Northumberland Mind’s services. Walker told JesmondLocal: “We provide a one-to-one support line seven days a week from 8 in the morning to 10 at night”. 

The service is partly funded by the NHS and local authority contracts, but Walker explained that Tyneside and Northumberland Mind receives no direct funding from the national Mind charity.

The fundraiser will also fund Mind’s Safe Space Groups which are weekly drop-in meetings for those in need of support, as well as the charity’s expansive counselling service. 

“That’s what our fundraising money enables us to do, to act and react,” she said.

Local businesses such as Brewin Dolphin, one of Tyneside and Northumberland Mind’s partner companies have backed the event. Corp Fitness, a Newcastle based gym, have also collaborated by planning to host a warm-up for the fundraiser on their App Unravelled. Sign-ups to the app will pledge a donation to the local charity.

For those unable to take part in the event, and who are interested in showing support through marshalling the event, contact fundraising@tynesidemind.org.uk. 

More information about the event can be found here. If you’re in need of support, call 0191 477 4545 or 0330 174 3174 to reach the Tyneside and Northumberland Mind support line. 

For more news on fundraisers in Jesmond, read this community report by Robyn Booth.