News — Walk a Mile in Someone Else’s Shoes
World Mental Health Day: 10 October 2021
We have teamed up with local charity, If U Care Share Foundation to get people on their feet and pledge to walk a mile every day to support World Mental Health Day this October.
If U Care Share Foundation was set up in 2005 after 19-year-old Daniel O’Hare took his own life. Daniel’s brothers Matthew and Ben Smith and cousin Sarah Smith founded the Foundation, which aims to prevent suicides, intervene, and provide support for those affected by it.
Throughout October, a series of thought provoking displays in the Galleries will feature the shoes of people who have been helped by the charity and their story. The displays aim to inspire people to think what it might be like to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes and to sign up and take part in the mile a day challenge.
Dominic McDonough, fundraising and events manager at If U Care Share Foundation, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with the Galleries to encourage people to walk a mile a day for mental health. We know how important that exercise can be for your mental health and a short walk can improve your day and your wellbeing. We are asking people to ‘Walk a Mile In Their Shoes’ and think of others who may be struggling, encouraging people to reach out and chat about their mental health.”
The shopping centre is encouraging people to get out and about to experience the natural surroundings their local area has to offer including parks, beaches and attractions as part of their walks. People are encouraged to take part and share photographs of their favourite local places and help inspire others to get out and about via the Centre’s Facebook and Instagram channels by tagging @GalleriesWashington and using the hashtag #walkamile
David McNee, centre manager at the Galleries Shopping Centre, said: “We know the pandemic has negatively affected many people’s mental health and as an integral part of the local community we want to help promote the charity, the support that is available and the fantastic work that they do. We hope that people sign up and walk for fun, to get fit or to fundraise.”
For World Mental Health Day (Sunday 10th October), staff from If U Care Share Foundation will be the Galleries to talk about their work and offer advice and support.