Forty swimmers took to the water during September to swim five kilometres in support of our work.
Swimmers of all abilities took part in our first ever September Swim challenge in which we invited people to swim a minimum of five kilometres in the sea, in the pool, in rivers or lakes and raise funds for our charity.
Between them, the swimmers have raised an amazing amount of money — over £6,336! This will be used to help us support more adults and young people in the community with their mental health.
People of all abilities swam in our aid, from supporters in the community and people we support to local business people and staff members.
Heidi Thorpe set up a team with two other mums, Summerly and Amy, to complete the challenge – and between them, they swam 22km throughout the month and raised £354. The three mums attend groups at our Families in Mind service, which supports parents and carers of young children age 0-5. Heidi explains her motivation:
“While I find that the gym provokes my anxiety, swimming always helps me to feel clearer and calmer and I generally swim a few times a week as part of my routine. Families in Mind has helped me a lot over the past few years, so the September Swim was a great opportunity to give back to West Sussex Mind.”
Meanwhile James Lambert, founder of employee engagement business, Engage to Succeed, swam the five kilometres in one go and says that the challenge helped get him back into swimming after a break from the pool.
“The challenge really helped me to get focus back into my life, supported my mental wellbeing and even built some more fitness,” says James. “I’ve missed the pool so much, but now I’m going every week again thanks to the challenge.”
Catriona Mason was one of a number of our staff who took part in September Swim. Catriona swam an impressive 20km in the pool and raised just shy of £600. Like the others, Catriona found that the challenge gave her a sense of achievement and helped her mental health.
“Taking part in September Swim and raising money for West Sussex Mind has been a bit of a life changer!” reflects Cationa. “Setting myself a longer distance challenge of 20km gave me a strong sense of focus, purpose and achievement and inspired my sponsors to donate more. It also gave me headspace to let my thoughts flow, space to wind down at the end of the day and improved my sleep. All very nourishing for my mental health.”
We would like to take the opportunity to thank all the amazing swimmers who took part as well as the event sponsor Merriman Grange Care Home. We look forward to running the event again in September 2025.