National 3 peak challenge

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

We are excited to announce that we will be participating in the national 3 peak challenge to raise awareness for mental health and promote movement for Mental Health Awareness Week 2025. This initiative is in partnership with Suits U Fitness. We are raising funds to support Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust Charity.

12th-19th of May is National Mental Health Awareness Week when we will be taking on the National 3 peaks

12th-16th May 2025 National 3 peaks

13th May - Ben Nevis - Highest mountain in Scotland

14th May - Scafell Pike - Highest mountain in England

15th May - Snowdon - Highest mountain in Wales

17th of May - Celebration/Closing Event

By undertaking the National 3 Peak Challenge, we aim to promote and provide a clear understanding of our efforts. We are rigorously training to prepare for this challenge, which involves climbing Scafell Pike and Snowdon, along with many other hikes and fundraising events, including a family fun day and a 24-hour fitness circuit.

Our goal is to complete the challenge as part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, highlighting the importance of general wellbeing and the benefits of getting outdoors. This challenge is both physically and mentally demanding, and we are seeking to fundraise to cover the costs of the event and to purchase the necessary equipment to ensure we can prepare and complete the challenge safely and effectively.

Apart from the 3 Peaks Challenge, we also organise regular Wellbeing Walks in beautiful locations across the North West, Derbyshire and Yorkshire. We invite all GMMH staff and our partners to join us in any of our events and hikes to promote staff wellbeing. Your support and participation would mean a lot to us.

Thank you for your generosity and encouragement.

We would be immensely grateful for any support from local businesses and the community.

Here are some words from our participants:

Kieran: 'Since learning how to manage my mental health and becoming a peer mentor, I have seen how important it is to raise awareness around mental health. Being a peer mentor, you are that beacon of hope, so I believe in leading by example. As the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week was 'movement', I thought we would practice what we preach. I am so proud to be a part of this challenge because mental health is something that is very close to my heart. Having lived experience of severe mental health illness, I want to show people that anything is possible and that recovery can happen! It is not only our job, but our passion to empower and promote positive well-being.'

Deepak: 'As the Director of Allied Health Professionals at GMMH, I am proud to support the 3 peak challenge initiative. This challenge is not only a testament to our commitment to raising awareness for mental health but also an embodiment of the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 – Community'

Geraint: 'I am a Psychologist in GMMH Adult Forensic Services. I've worked in Mental Health services for almost 30 years now, and I am so proud to be doing this challenge with some of my amazing colleagues at GMMH. I was seriously unwell in 2021 and 2022, and I owe my life to some amazing nurses, doctors and surgeons in the NHS. I was in hospital for a year, and lost 50% of my body weight. The long and severe illness also impacted significantly on my mental health, and after being discharged home it was another 8 months before I was well enough to return to work. I was fortunate to receive fantastic support from family, friends and colleagues. I know, from personal experience, just how important it is to have people who understand what you are going through to be alongside you on the road to recovery. So it is an honour to play a part in raising funds that will be used to support peer-led services, which is such an important part of our approach to service provision. Thank you for all the support and encouragement that you are showing by donating and sponsoring us'

Andrew Duff , Bilfinger UK

I enjoy training at Suits U and once I was aware of the challenge I was keen to support. Hopefully raise awareness around mental health and support local initiatives.

Many thanks, we can't wait to share our journey with you!