A READING charity is inviting people across Berkshire to get moving in aid of young people’s mental health next month.
Sport In Mind is encouraging participation in a drive to support children and young people experiencing mental health struggles.
The charity is urging people across the UK to take part in its 100K Your Way Challenge, beginning on World Mental Health Day (10th October), and complete 100K in just 10 days, whether that’s walking, running, cycling, swimming, dancing– or any combination of movement.
The campaign comes as analysis from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) revealed that 75,491 children and young people aged six to 17 attended A&E in England with a mental health concern in 2025, a 36% increase since 2019.
Among children aged six to nine, attendances rose by an even more alarming 62%, from 3,870 to 6,269.
Every year, around 200 children lose their lives to suicide.
The figures have prompted renewed calls for greater investment in prevention and earlier mental health support, with experts warning that too many children are reaching crisis point before they can access the help they need.
Founder and CEO of Sport In Mind, Neil Harris said: “We cannot wait until a child reaches crisis point before we decide they need support. Behind every statistic is a child, a family and a story.
“We believe sport can be part of changing that story.
“For some children, joining a football session, going for a run, learning a new skill or simply having somewhere safe to belong can be the first step towards feeling connected again.
“It can give them confidence, routine and people around them who notice when something isn’t right.”
He added: “That’s why we’re asking people across the country to move 100K with us this October.
“Every kilometre and every pound raised will help us reach more children and young people with the life-changing benefits of sport, and get them support before they reach crisis point.”
The 100K Your Way Challenge will begin on World Mental Health Day, October 10, with participants challenged to cover 100K over 10 days in whatever way works for them.
Participants can walk, run, cycle, swim, dance or mix up different activities, either taking on the challenge alone or joining friends, family or colleagues as a team.
Full details are available via: sportinmind.org/100k-your-way
