Let’s step into January together!
Step into January 2026 with our gentle, inspiring challenge, designed to help you build healthy habits, boost your mood and support local mental health services.
A new year is the perfect time to make plans to move more, work on your wellbeing, commit to new hobbies and focus on you. Whether it’s daily walks, trying something new, or building up to a 5K, make your pledge (here), and get inspired with our hub of motivation and support below as part of Tyneside and Northumberland Mind’s Step into January 2026 Challenge.
Take part on your own, as a family, or with colleagues and friends, and make the pledge here.
What’s Next?
It’s time to get inspired! Whatever your goal, Step into January gives you small daily boosts to help you start the year strong, by supporting you to:
• feel more energised
• reconnect with yourself and others
• take small steps that make a big difference
• support local mental health services through fundraising
Our campaign officially begins Monday 5th January but you are encouraged to begin planning your activity as soon as you can. Below we have included just a few ideas to inspire you, and what ways you can take your Step into January Challenge to the next level. Content will unlock throughout the challenge to keep you motivated so keep coming back to this webpage!
Make the pledge, plan your activity and consider fundraising for your local Mind!
Here’s how we can help you fundraise as part of your campaign:
💙A Customisable Activity Tracker (download here) for you to mark off each day of your challenge, monitor your progress and plan your activity.
💙A Sponsor Form (download here) and JustGiving Page (available here) to help raise funds throughout the campaign.
💙 A Campaign T-shirt for anyone who raises £15 or more for Tyneside and Northumberland Mind (contact our team when you reach the goal!).
💙 A Certificate of Completion to celebrate participation and success.
Walking for Wellbeing
A simple, accessible way to boost mood, energy and overall wellbeing.
Get inspired by a beautiful coastal walk in Northumberland.
Status: ✅ Available now
▶ Watch the video here
Couch to 5K – Getting Started
A beginner-friendly way to move from walking to running at your own pace.
Learn how the NHS Couch to 5K programme can help you build fitness gradually and safely.
Status: ✅ Available now
🔗 Get started here
5 Ways to Wellbeing – Everyday Movement
Small changes that make a big difference to mental wellbeing.
Explore how moving more can support the ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ in everyday life.
Status: ✅ Available now
🔗 Available for download here
Reading Resolutions
Make this the year you build a reading habit and enjoy the endless benefits that come with it.
We’re proud to be taking part in The National Year of Reading 2026 and inviting you to start right now with a reading resolution. The idea is simple: commit to reading more in a way that fits your life, your interests, and your schedule. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, just choose a goal that inspires you. Here’s some ideas to get started:
Set a target number of books to read this year.
Aim for a page goal and watch your progress add up.
Explore a new genre; sci-fi or fantasy for some escapism, maybe some nonfiction to learn something new, or even fanfiction.
Mix it up with different formats like newspapers, blog posts, audiobooks or magazines.
Commit to regular reading time, whether that’s twice a week or every day. It could be a 10 minute goal or a 20 pages a day.
Make use of FREE local resources with a library card and online book / audiobook lending account, available with most local libraries!
However you choose to read, the most important step is starting. We’ll be making a conscious effort to encourage greater reading throughout 2026 – stay tuned for more content coming later in the year!
🔗 Status: ✅ Available now
Dance for Wellbeing – Kelly’s Dancing Ladies
Feel-good movement that lifts mood, confidence and connection.
A fun, welcoming way to get active through dance — no experience needed.
Status: ✅ Available now
▶ Watch the video here
Yoga for Wellbeing – Yoga by Diane and Alex
Gentle movement to support flexibility, calm and balance.
Diane Watkins shares how yoga can support both body and mind.
Status: ✅ Available now
▶ Watch the video here
Box Step Breakdown
Step by step dance guide to get you moving for your mental health.
Try out this easy to follow breakdown of a popular dance move to get you moving just a few minutes a day.
Status: ✅ Available now
🔗 Available for download here
Connect with local history & the great outdoors with Tyne Derwent Way
Tyne Derwent Way are home to the St Mary’s Heritage Site, Staiths Space, Ramblers Walks and so much more and an optimal option to help you get out and trying something new this year.
The fabulous local team offer free tours of the Heritage Centre, alongside craft sessions, guided wellbeing walks as well as seasonal activities. Nearly all are free of charge, and welcome anyone of any age. We can’t shout about this local treasure enough since we started working with them last year! Take a look at all the opportunities available to you in Gateshead and Newcastle with Tyne Derwent Way and the Tyne and Wear Building Preservation Trust.
Status: Status: ✅ Available now
🔗 Find local events, and volunteer opportunities here
Easy Ways to Fit a 30-Minute Walk Into Each Day
Incorporating walking into your daily routine is possible even with a busy schedule. Here are some tips:
Make it official: Prioritize walking by adding workouts to your calendar.
Pick an ideal time: Schedule your walking at a time of day when you typically have the most energy.
Make it fun: Listen to music, an audiobook, or a podcast as you walk to make it more enjoyable.
Find a buddy: Recruit a friend if you like to walk with company. Having a workout partner will also provide accountability.
Remember your “why”: Write down the reasons why you want to improve your health to help keep you motivated. Be comfortable: Wear walking shoes and dress in loose-fitting clothes.
If you cannot set aside 30 minutes in your schedule, break your walking up into shorter sessions throughout the day.
Status: ✅ Available now
Bird Watch with the RSPB’s National Garden Bird Watch Campaign
It’s Big Garden Birdwatch Weekend. Get counting!
Join people across the UK in this years Big Garden Birdwatch, a campaign that asks the public to spend an hour watching the birds in their patch, between 23 and 25 January, and record the birds that land. It’s free to sign-up and once you tell RSPB what you saw (even if that’s nothing at all), they’ll record it. Last year more than 590,000 took part. Get involved, and you may even find yourself a new hobby!
Status: Status: ✅ Available now
🔗 Get involved today here
Keep the Momentum Going!
Well done for taking part in the January Wellbeing Challenge.
By moving more, trying new activities and making time for your wellbeing, you’ve already taken positive steps that matter.
This challenge doesn’t have to end here. Whether you discovered something new or simply enjoyed making time for yourself, there are lots of ways to keep going and stay connected.
What’s next?
🎉 Clarty B – get involved in a fun, inclusive community event
🎨 Mind on the Wall – creative opportunities that support mental wellbeing
🏃 Challenge Events – set a new goal and keep building momentum
Every step counts, and there’s no right or wrong way to continue – just choose what feels right for you.
Status: ✅ Open now
👉 Explore upcoming events and opportunities here.
