University of Kent Psychology Students Ran Mental Elf for Mental Health Awareness Two of the students posing with their Mental Elf medals

On Sunday 24th November, a spirited group of psychology students from the University of Kent laced up their running shoes and donned festive elf hats to participate in the East Kent Mind Mental Elf 5K run in Canterbury.

The event, which aimed to raise funds and awareness for East Kent Mind, was a renowned success, blending holiday cheer with a deeply meaningful cause.

Starting from the Umbrella Centre, the students joined a lively crowd of participants, all united in their commitment to promoting mental health awareness. The 5K course was filled with energy and encouragement, as spectators cheered and fellow runners motivated one another, creating a vibrant sense of camaraderie around this important cause.

A Meaningful Milestone

Psychology Society students, including Luwam, and Fatah, shared their thoughts on completing the run:

Luwam: “satisfying”, “thrilling”, “stimulating”. “I’m so proud of our team. Not only did we raise funds, but we also got to have some fun while spreading the message about the importance of mental health support.”

Fatah : “challenging”, “exciting”, “tiring!”. “It was harder than I thought—5K feels a lot longer when you’re running it! But it was worth every step.”

A Successful Fundraiser

Through their efforts, the team not only completed the course but also helped to raise £3k for East Kent Mind to bolster its critical mental health resources. Inspired by the success of the Mental Elf run, the students are already looking forward to future events. They hope their involvement will encourage others to prioritize mental well-being and support local initiatives that make a difference.

Thank You to Supporters

The team extended heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated, cheered, and participated in the event. Their combined efforts demonstrate the impact that collective action can have on raising awareness and driving change. For those who missed the opportunity to support, it’s not too late!

Donations to East Kent Mind can still be made through their website at Just Giving for East Kent Mind

Congratulations to the University of Kent Psychology Society for their inspiring achievement!