Support the Highlands
This autumn, we are calling on people across the Highlands to take on a simple challenge that could make a meaningful difference to mental health support in our communities.
Our new “Walk 30 Miles This Autumn for Mental Health” campaign invites participants to walk one mile a day and complete 30 miles in your own way by 30 November, raising funds for some of the region’s most valued mental health services.
Everyone who signs up will receive a free Centred beanie hat, whether they choose to fundraise for Centred’s core services, the award-winning Discovery College, or the volunteer-led Clarity Walks programme.
About Centred
Centred is the largest mental health charity in the Scottish Highlands, supporting more people face-to-face than any other organisation in the region. For almost 40 years, the charity has helped people living in some of the Highlands’ most remote and isolated communities access vital mental health support.
The initial fundraising target is £5,000, to help Centred continue providing life-changing services that promote wellbeing, reduce isolation and improve quality of life.
Funds raised for Centred will help provide community outings and activities for people experiencing mental ill-health, while donations to Discovery College and Clarity Walks will support the continued delivery of accessible, preventative mental health services.
The Discovery College
Discovery College, the first initiative of its kind in the Highlands, offers free walk-in support for people experiencing mental ill-health or addiction. No GP referral or appointment is required, ensuring people can receive help before reaching crisis point. The service recently won Community Initiative of the Year at the Highland Third Sector Interface Awards and now supports around 140 visits each week. However, it receives no statutory funding and relies on donations and fundraising to continue operating.
Clarity Walks
Clarity Walks delivers regular guided walks across Inverness-shire for people experiencing loneliness, isolation, and mental or physical ill-health. More than 900 free walks have been delivered since the programme began, supporting thousands of people of all ages and abilities. The service is entirely volunteer-led and also depends on fundraising support.
The impact of these services is clear.
One Discovery College attendee said:
“I heard about the Discovery College on Facebook. I didn’t want to leave the house, I wanted to stay in bed 24/7. After attending, within two weeks my family noticed such a difference in me. I want to get up and enjoy my life. I’ve been able to get local transport by myself, go grocery shopping on my own and I’ve also joined the local netball team.”
A Clarity Walks participant added:
“I was encouraged to join Clarity Walk by the Community Mental Health Team. It has proved to be the best thing for me. The group is very friendly, and my mental health certainly benefits from being out in the fresh air. Sometimes I feel low and upset when I go out, but the walks change that. My mind feels more relaxed. The walk leaders are all so helpful and supportive.”
Another person supported by Centred said:
“I enjoyed the activities with Centred and being gently pushed out of my comfort zone in a positive way. It was a nice break from my day-to-day life.”
By taking part in Walk 30 Miles This Autumn for Mental Health, supporters can improve their own wellbeing while helping ensure others can access the support they need.
To learn more, email fundraising@centred.scot.
