Take on the MAD challenge - therapy group launches mile-a-day project to help people through lockdown

Lighthouse Therapy Group, based in Washington Village, was set up by navy veteran Mark Walsh in 2018 as a private counselling service, aiming to put the community at its core and highlighting ways to support mental health.

Now he has launched the “MAD” mile-a-day challenge, which began at the start of January encouraging people to kick off 2021 as they mean to go on and combat mental health issues as the country was placed into a third national lockdown.

The challenge is to run, walk or cycle at least one mile a day until the end of lockdown and has had over 45 people taking part, raising £1000 for Lighthouse Adventures CIC, a not-for-profit organisation which was also set up by Mark.

Mark is CEO of both Lighthouse Therapy Group and Lighthouse Adventures CIC.

Speaking about the challenge and the struggles of lockdown, he said: “Right now it is vital that we look after our mental health and reach out to each other to support each other in whatever way we can.

"Due to the lockdown, so many people are experiencing an abrupt disconnection from the very things that give their life meaning, and without this meaning then life becomes extremely difficult and we find ourselves questioning everything.

“With the MAD mile a day challenge, we hope to raise awareness of how being active can have a positive impact on our wellbeing and mental health, and even better if we can get outdoors and enjoy the fresh, crisp winter air.”

During the pandemic, mental health struggles have been common for many as people are forced to stay at home and miss seeing friends, family and loved ones.

The group hopes the mile-a-day challenge will encourage people to open up about their mental health and say the challenge is open to anyone and everyone, with participants being awarded a certificate upon completion.

To donate to the mile a day challenge or sign up to take part, visit the groups Go Fund Me page.

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