Youth charity collaboration offers a win-win for South West businesses
South West businesses looking to boost employee wellbeing and create positive social impact are being encouraged to get involved with this year’s Big BaNES 100k – a flexible outdoor fundraiser from Bath & North East Somerset youth charities Mentoring Plus and Off the Record.
Running from –until Friday 26th September, The Big BaNES 100k stands out from traditional fundraising challenges. Rather than committing to one day, one route, or one activity, fundraisers can choose how and when they reach their 100km milestone – whether walking, cycling, swimming or paddleboarding, solo or as part of a team.
Last year, fundraisers took to footpaths, roads, and rivers, raising £6,500 to support youth mental health services run by both charities. With both organisations eager to build on that success, Ruth Keily, Chief Executive Officer of Mentoring Plus, explained why the challenge is a win-win for local businesses, saying, “It’s the perfect summer challenge – by encouraging teams to get active outdoors, whether solo, with colleagues, from home or the office, and raising funds for every step, pedal and paddle they take – businesses will boost employee well-being, while at the same time help children facing challenges like poor mental health, school difficulties, and family breakdown, to feel happier, more confident and have brighter futures.”
James Brown, Development Manager at Off The Record, said, “Like many charities in Bath & North East Somerset, we’re seeing soaring demand, reduced funding, and rising costs. But as two small, agile organisations, we know how to stretch every pound and ensure it truly benefits local young people. That’s why support from local businesses this year would make a tangible, lasting impact.”
The Big BaNES 100k is part of a unique collaboration between Mentoring Plus, Off The Record and The Bath 5k Map – created by Tech for Good South West co-founder, Annie Legge, in memory of her niece. The map, of which both charities are beneficiaries, features a wide range of circular 5k walks in and around Bath – all designed to help people access the mental health benefits of time spent in nature.
Inspired by Annie’s story, the charities formed a rare fundraising partnership to tackle the devastating cuts to youth mental health services. Over the last year, the collaboration has raised over £15,000 through map sales and nature-themed events.
Ahead of this year’s Bath Life Awards (where the charities were finalists), Annie said, “I’m incredibly proud to champion Mentoring Plus and Off the Record through The Bath 5k Map. Their dedication to young people’s mental health, combined with their collaborative approach in tough fundraising times, shows how local charities can amplify each other’s impact for our community’s wellbeing.”
Businesses looking to get involved with this year’s Big BaNES 100k can sign up online, and are also invited to join a 5k Community Wellbeing Walk on Sunday 18th May at 12pm, departing from Prior Park College.
The event, hosted by Mentoring Plus, Off The Record and The Bath 5k Map, will be guided by Walk Bath and Bathscape, and marks the close of Mental Health Awareness Week.
To register for The Big BaNES 100k or book tickets for the wellbeing walk: www.mentoringplus.net/events
Pictured above: Young people embarked on a 5k community walk with members of The Bath 5k Map, Bath College, Bathscape, Mentoring Plus and Off The Record to launch The Big BaNES 100k last year (Image: Roy Newport)
