Newcastle College is taking part in the annual BRIT Challenge for the first time, raising funds for charity while helping students and staff to focus on their mental health and wellbeing.
The BRIT Challenge is an inclusive feel-good fundraiser set up by founder Phil Packer, an ex-armed force veteran, that aims to improve the physical and mental fitness of university and college staff and students across the UK whilst raising vital funds for charities, including its own, the British Inspiration Trust (BRIT).
Scott Bullock, Principal of Newcastle College has recently become co-chair of the BRIT Regional Steering Group in the North East and has helped to drive the initiative across the region and across NCG. He said; “My role as Principal is to not only help develop the skills and talents of our students, but to provide a welcoming, supportive, inclusive and safe place for them to learn and grow.
“Being part of the BRIT Challenge steering group and participating in the challenge will provide important opportunities to explore ways of destigmatising mental health and share best practice for championing equality, diversity and inclusion. At the heart of everything we will be striving to achieve is supporting and improving young adult, student and staff mental health, fitness and wellbeing.”
The Challenge runs nationally between Monday 23 January and Thursday 23 March. NCG (the Group of colleges that Newcastle College belongs to, will be participating as a Group, with each college taking part for one week and each raising funds for one chosen local charity. Newcastle College will kickstart the challenge for the first week and will be raising funds for both the British Inspiration Trust (BRIT) and Streetwise Young People's Project (streetwisenorth.org.uk)
The theme for this year is “23” and the aim is for teams of individuals to cover challenges related to the number 23. Activities and projects focused on fitness and wellbeing will take place in classes and across campus for the week, with challenges including a bike ride that will cover a total distance of 2,300 miles and a bucket list of 23-minute wellbeing activities.
To support those participating in the challenges, donations can be made through the Newcastle College fundraising page here