We will be joining three other frontline charities to team up with emergency service discount provider, Blue Light Card, and wellbeing organisation, Get Active, to launch a special fitness and wellness challenge in January.
Alongside The Air Ambulance Service, Police Care and The Ambulance Staff Charity, we are supporting the challenge that invites emergency services teams to take part in a series of month-long sponsored exercise challenges that will raise spirits and vital funds for our four charities.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has meant that our emergency service workers have been working tirelessly, often with little time for themselves,” says Blue Light Card CEO Tom Dalby. “As a result, for many people this has left their physical and mental health taking quite a hit. Supporting emergency services teams has always been at the core of what we do, and even more so after we’ve seen first-hand just how hard they’ve worked to keep us safe this year. That’s why this campaign is particularly special to us.”
The campaign follows a recent survey from Blue Light Card, which revealed 43% of frontline workers have found it hard to stay positive over the last year, with workplace stress singled out as the biggest contributor to stress levels. Two thirds of those surveyed were invited to try new forms of exercise in a bid to improve physical and mental wellbeing and resilience.
So we are asking all members of the UK’s fire services community to join the Get Active campaign by taking part in a physical or mindfulness challenge of your choice, taking on an active challenge and being sponsored to do so. It could include running, cycling, yoga, singing – all of which have been designed to boost your physical and mental wellbeing, as well as that of your fellow blue-light colleagues.
“We are excited to be working with these incredible charities, to provide a challenge that everyone can get involved in, no matter their abilities or interests,” says Tom. “We look forward to seeing lots of people getting involved over the coming weeks and to helping to boost the wellbeing of so many of the nation’s critical workers whilst also raising money for some really worthy causes.”
The month-long challenge will launch officially on Monday 18 January, in a bid to try and alleviate some of the feelings associated with the day otherwise known as Blue Monday.
Those taking part will be able to download the Get Active app and track their progress during the month.
There will be points awarded for taking part in activities and a leader board will be updated throughout the duration of the campaign with the overall winner crowned on 18 February.
All money raised from people’s sponsored events will then be split evenly between the four charities.
We’ll be sharing more information in the New Year about how to get involved, so watch this space, but you can register your interest at getactivechallenges.com/bluelight.