Step into January Challenge
Jump start your New Year with wellbeing, motivation and a fresh start with Tyneside and Northumberland Mind’s Step into January Challenge.
Our Step into January challenge is a gentle and inspiring way to improve your wellbeing, build healthy habits and support your local mental health services at the same time. Whether you want to move more, learn something new, reconnect with others or simply feel better in yourself, Step into January gives you small daily boosts to help you start the year strong.
Why Take Part?
We know that January can feel like a long, heavy month. Darker days, post-Christmas pressure, and the challenge of getting back into routine. Simple, regular activity can lift mood, reduce stress and anxiety, boost self-esteem and improve overall wellbeing. Step into January is designed to support your mental health throughout winter by helping you:
• build positive routines
• feel more energised
• reconnect with yourself and others
• take small steps that make a big difference
• support local mental health services through fundraising
You can take part on your own, as a family, or with colleagues and friends, everyone is welcome!
How It Works
From 5th January, choose one challenge or mix a few together. These are just a few ideas to inspire you, you’re free to shape the challenge in any way that supports your wellbeing.
Get Active
• Couch to 5K
• Daily walks
• 10,000 steps
• A workplace step challenge
Healthy Habit Challenges
• Dry January
• No-Spend January (donate the savings if you’d like!)
• Reduce screen time
• Drink more water
Wellbeing Goals
• Learn a new skill, craft or sport
• Try a new recipe each week
• Join a community walk
Team Activities
Perfect for workplaces, gyms, padel clubs, community groups & sports teams:
• Step-count competitions
• Department vs. department wellbeing goals
• Weekly group walks or activity sessions
Add Fundraising!
Every January action can help support our counselling, Support Line, wellbeing groups and mental health services across the region.
Here are some easy ways to add a fundraising twist:
• Donate £1 every time you complete your daily challenge
• Get sponsored for Couch to 5K or your steps target
• Host a small bake sale or coffee morning at work
• Create a team fundraising page with colleagues
• Sell crafts, unwanted gifts or Vinted items
• Dry January or No-Spend January sponsorship
Even small amount can have a big impact locally!
How your fundraising helps
Tyneside and Northumberland Mind provide vital mental health and wellbeing support to people across our region. We offer counselling, a seven-day Support Line, wellbeing groups, one-to-one support, Safe Space sessions and mental health training. No one needs to struggle alone.
By taking part in Step into January, you’re helping us continue delivering these life-changing services to local people who need support. Every donation, challenge and small action throughout January directly contributes to keeping these essential services available in our local community.
If you need more resources including collection buckets, posters or T-shirts, please get in touch with us at – fundraising@tynesidemind.org.uk
Participants who sign up will receive:
💙 A printable activity calendar to tick off each day
💙 Five Ways to Wellbeing tips to support daily positive mental health
💙 Guidance and motivation for walking 30 minutes each day
💙 Direct links to all campaign videos and activities on our website
💙 A Sponsor Form and Step-by-step guidance on setting up a JustGiving page to help raise funds throughout the campaign
💙 A Campaign T-shirt for anyone who raises £15 or more for Tyneside and Northumberland Mind
💙 A Certificate of completion to celebrate participation and success
Join as an individual, pair, family, or workplace and take the first step to a healthier, happier start to the year. Click here.
