Decathlon, and men’s mental health charity, HUMEN, are partnering this November for Men’s Health Month to inspire the country to move for your mind.
By encouraging the nation to get active following an incredibly difficult period for many nationwide, Decathlon and HUMEN hope to make a positive difference to people’s lives through the benefits of sport and exercise.
The Rise Against Suicide Sunrise Walks will encourage the public to take on a 4,657 metre walk challenge, representing one metre for every man who died by suicide in 2020, to help people experience the health benefits of exercise first hand and honour the lives lost and families left devastated.
Setting off at sunrise on Sunday 28 November from Decathlon stores across the UK, participants will aim to reach a fundraising target of £250 each. All proceeds will be donated to HUMEN, contributing towards their work with men to change the narrative from crisis to prevention for their mental health.
Stars, including actress Emma Rigby, film and television BAFTA-winning actor Andrew Scott, Golden Globe winner and national treasure Bill Nighy, rugby player Danny Cipriani, model David Gandy and comedian Alan Carr have all lent their support to the charity and challenge and are encouraging the public to rise up and get involved for this vital cause.
It’s known that doing a little every day and leading a more active lifestyle can boost mental health, helping everyone to lead healthier and happier lives in the long run.
Whether it’s going for a 5km run, cycling to and from work or simply walking around your local area, physical activity is proven to help reduce stress levels, anxiety and depression, all of which goes towards improving long-term mental health.
As part of this campaign, Decathlon wants to inspire the nation through their PLAY platform, providing expert tips and advice, such as 5 Reasons Why Fitness and Mental Health Go Hand in Hand, to make the journey towards an active lifestyle as enjoyable and accessible as possible.
Chris Gilroy, Marketing & Communications Director at Decathlon UK, added: “Many people find it challenging to find the inspiration or motivation to head outside and be active, whether that be a walk around your local park, trying something new like cycling to work, or even joining friends at five-a-side football.
“At Decathlon, we are committed to helping people lead happier and healthier lifestyles and are extremely proud to be partnering with HUMEN this November for Men’s Health Month to help raise awareness for the benefits of physical exercise on our mental health.
“Over the next few months, there will be a series of events, articles, tips and advice from Decathlon and their partners to inspire movement for your mind and encourage people to be more active!”
Underlining their commitment to supporting mental health causes through an active lifestyle, Decathlon is also delighted to partner with Red January again in 2022.
Last year’s campaign saw 50% of participants experience reduced levels of stress and depressive symptoms as a result of their increased physical activity.
Through working with partners, Decathlon hopes to help the UK rise to the mental health challenges that face so many of us by making the benefits of a physically active lifestyle accessible to everyone.
About HUMEN
HUMEN is a movement to improve and maintain men’s mental health through campaigning and The HUMEN Space. Anonymous, preventative and non-clinical spaces for men to talk, listen and connect on a regular basis. 75% of all UK suicides are male. The right to talk should never be a privilege.
It’s not enough to just say men need to talk so we’re providing spaces to do so. Moving beyond the false and limiting notions of what it means to be a man, or a lad, or a bloke.
Where inner health is valued as much as outer, creating a better world for men and women.
We’re lighting a better way forward and together can change the course of a generation.
You are human. I am human. We are HUMEN.
Anonymous and non-clinical safe spaces for men to talk, listen and connect on a regular basis across the UK.
The HUMEN Space is preventative, practical and plain speaking. No lingo or prescriptive advice.
Free one-hour sessions where men get together to talk honestly in a confidential space without risk of judgment or ridicule.
For more information, visit www.wearehumen.org
Follow HUMEN on Twitter (@HUMENorg) and Instagram (@humenorg)
About The Rise Against Suicide Sunrise Walk
Sunrise Walk – Locations
- Decathlon Manchester – Ashton New Road, M11 4BD
- Decathlon Cardiff – Culverhouse Cross, CF5 6XQ
- Decathlon Greenwich – Greenwich Shopping Park, Bugsby Way, London, SE7
- Decathlon Brighton – Unit 3, 134 North Street, BN1 1RG Brighton
- Decathlon Nottingham – Giltbrook Retail Park, Nottingham Road East, NG16
- Decathlon Edinburgh – Hermiston Gait Retail Park, Edinburgh, EH11 4DG
- Decathlon Poole – Poole Retail Park, Redlands, BH12 1DN
- Decathlon Oxford – Seacourt Retail Park, Oxford, OX2 0JJ
- Decathlon Newcastle Gateshead – Team Valley Retail Park, Team Valley
- Decathlon Liverpool – Huyton Lane, Liverpool, L36 7TX
- Decathlon Belfast – Holywood Exchange Retail Park, Belfast, BT3 9EJ
- Your own 4,657 metre walk in your local area