Words by Smiley Team
World Mental Health Day is a time where people around the world come together in support of good mental health and wellbeing.
Hundreds of millions of people suffer from severe mental illnesses, according to WHO. To combat that, you can do your bit, raising money for the charities working day in, day out to support mentally ill people.
Brilliant organisations – such as Mind – offer advice, emotional support and guide people to appropriate services. Get started with these top ways to put the ‘fun’ in fundraising for mental health charities this year.
[Discover more initiatives to improve people's mental health and wellbeing]
Mind has come up with an ingenious means of fundraising while gaming. Grab a pizza, some friends and sit back on the sofa to get your fingers flying on the controller. Raise money for every mission you complete by streaming your game and getting viewers to donate.
Harness the therapeutic power of art and raise money for charity with your creative friends. Pool your craft materials, choose who has the most spacious, comfortable living room and get ready for some natter, knitting and creativity. If everyone chips in with a donation and you make it a weekly event, the money will quickly add up.
It’s often said that a tidy home means a tidy mind. Indeed, when you can’t find the things you need because everything is a mess, it’s easy to start feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. Sort through your cupboards, pick out the things you no longer need and sell them online. By donating the proceeds to mental health charities, you help others as well as yourself.
Release some endorphins by taking on an active challenge. Whether it be running, swimming, cycling or all three, there are plenty of ways for you to get fit while fundraising. If you’re a team player there are upcoming events you can join, or if you’d rather go it alone, you can set up a challenge just for yourself.
Another great way to raise money is by offering online video tutorials. Maybe you’re a dab hand at cooking, you have enviable language skills, or you want to teach people to draw. Hop on a Zoom and invite your pupils to donate to your cause.
