Support Scarborough Samaritans by getting active outdoors this summer

Scarborough Samaritans is encouraging people to sign up to Samarathon and set themselves the challenge of walking, jogging or running the equivalent of a marathon distance during July, helping the charity’s volunteers continue to provide vital emotional support.

Launching in Mental Health Awareness Week, listening volunteers at the Scarborough branch are encouraging Scarborough residents to make the most of the long summer days after months of lockdown by getting active and being out in nature, which is known to help boost physical and mental wellbeing.

Participants can choose how, when and where they complete their marathon – and can sign up alongside friends and family, cheering each other on either in person or remotely.

Libby Lorton-Gilbert, Branch Director at Scarborough Samaritans, said: “Samarathon provides a great opportunity to get active and enjoy spending time outdoors which is more important than ever during the pandemic.

It is also a real boost to our local volunteers, who have clocked up approximately 3,500 hours providing emotional support to those who are struggling to cope during these challenging times.

"No mean feat when we had between 12 and 30 volunteers which dropped down to just 10 during the first lockdown due to lots of our volunteers isolating – but we still managed to provide our emotional support service.

“The pandemic has significantly hampered our ability to fundraise over the past 12 months. Taking part in this challenge is not only a fun way to look after your own mental health and wellbeing but will allow us to support others who are struggling with theirs."

Three UK is the official sponsor of Samarathon. Connectivity has never been more important and over the three-year partnership, Three UK and Samaritans will work together to expand services and help more people access emotional support, 24/7, 365 days a year.

To find more information or sign up to Samarathon, visit www.samaritans.org/samarathon