Ben Nevis Walk for Youth Mental Health Projects

My name is Victoria and I’m the Programme Manager for the Rio Ferdinand Foundation (RFF) based in the North West. 

RFF is a youth and community development charity, supporting young people aged 10-25 to tackle inequalities they face and achieve their potential. We facilitate free sports, arts and media programmes, as well as training and progression pathways for young people to help develop their skills, confidence and networks. 

I’ve been working at the Foundation for 9 years this November 2023 and wanted to do something special to raise funds and reach more young people through our creative mental health programmes. 

We have partnered up with Knox Fitness, my local gym in Oldham to fundraise £5,000 towards specific emotional health and wellbeing projects. The impact of Covid-19, the rising cost of living and continued inflation is having a devastating impact on young people and the families the Foundation supports. I’ve noticed a significant increase in the amount of mental health support young people need, and the amazing members at Knox Fitness and I want to help.

On Saturday the 17th of June we are going to be walking to the top of Ben Nevis in weighted vests! The money we raise will provide more opportunities for young people to connect with the Foundation’s youth workers and creative professionals. 

Raising £5,000 will help to:

• Provide 80 young people with over 50 hours of free mental health support & activities. 
• Support up to 5 schools / youth services to bring in x2 RFF Youth Workers to engage young people in bespoke wellbeing projects over 13 weeks. 
• Bring in x5 creative professionals specialising in wellbeing mixing drama, sports, music and media to help young people talk about how they’re feeling & learn different tools & techniques to support their mental health. 
• Provide nutritious food and refreshments for 80 young people whose families are struggling with rising cost of living and need support. 

If you can donate anything – big or small, please kindly click the link and thank you so much from myself and Knox Fitness!