The team at Get Laid Beds, a Leicester-based bed manufacturer, is undertaking an ambitious charity challenge this month to support the mental health charity Shout. The company’s forty employees have committed to walking the equivalent distance from Leicester to Gambia, a staggering 3,452 miles, in a bid to raise funds and awareness for the cause.
The challenge, which began on September 1st, aims to collectively accumulate 7,500,000 steps over the course of the month. This equates to approximately 250,000 steps each day, or 187,500 steps per participant, highlighting the significant effort required to meet their goal.
Shout is a prominent charity offering 24/7 text support for individuals experiencing mental health crises. Their service provides crucial assistance to those struggling to cope, offering a lifeline through text messaging. The team at Get Laid Beds is rallying behind Shout, with the objective of raising £3,452, matching the total number of miles they hope to walk this month.
Scott Shields, CEO of Get Laid Beds, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “Our team of Bed Makers and Office staff has taken on a herculean challenge. We’re walking the equivalent of travelling from our Barns in Leicester to Gambia in Western Africa. We are walking for Shout, an amazing mental health text support charity. We’re getting our steps in during lunch breaks and free time, all tracked on the Step-Up app. We’re getting active and supporting a great charity! If you want to cheer us on, we’ve set up a JustGiving page. Together, we believe we can make a difference.”
Shout’s services are vital for those in crisis, and the funds raised by Get Laid Beds could significantly impact the charity’s ability to provide support. For instance, a donation of just £10 can fund a crucial conversation with someone in distress, potentially saving a life. A contribution of £25 can provide expert supervision of conversations by a qualified clinician, while £250 can train a new volunteer to offer life-saving support.
The challenge has already seen a remarkable start, with the team walking 232,737 steps on the first day. With a target of 7.26 million steps remaining, the Get Laid Beds team is determined to complete the challenge and meet their fundraising goal.
To support the team and contribute to Shout’s essential work, donations can be made via their JustGiving page, accessible here: JustGiving Page. The page provides updates on the team’s progress and offers an opportunity for the public to contribute to the cause.
As the month progresses, the Get Laid Beds team will continue to track their steps and encourage others to support their cause. Their commitment to combining physical activity with charitable giving highlights a proactive approach to both employee well-being and social responsibility.
This initiative not only promotes mental health awareness but also showcases the positive impact that corporate teams can have on important social issues. The challenge embodies a spirit of community and resilience, aligning with Shout’s mission to provide crucial support to those in need.