Hinckley & Rugby Building Society is leading the support for Lamp’s annual fundraising efforts which this year has the target of a ‘Trip to the Moon’.

Lamp (Leicestershire Action for Mental Health Project) is encouraging people to cover 5k or more through physical activity such as walking, running, cycling, roller-skating or swimming, to collectively reach 384,400km – the distance from the Earth to the moon – and raise £1 for each km covered. Participants can take on any activity they like such as swimming, rowing, walking the dog, competing in a triathlon or even completing an activity in fancy dress during Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs 9 – 15 May.

The charity has seen an increased demand for its services since the pandemic, including for access to its helpline and advocacy services, so is encouraging people to get active while they fundraise. Physical exercise has a range of benefits for the mind, body and soul, and through sponsorships and donations for the ‘Trip to the Moon’ 5K challenge, Lamp hopes to raise money to help more people in need.

Colin Fyfe, Hinckley & Rugby Building Society’s chief Executive, said: “The staff at Hinckley & Rugby Building Society are delighted to once again put our best feet forward in support of Lamp and its ambitious plans to take a journey through outer space, with fundraisers from the Society collaborating to reach the moon and back to raise money for the charity.

“The Covid-19 pandemic threw light on the plight of those people who suffer from loneliness and this initiative offers a way for people to release endorphins through exercise and mixing with friends and family, as well as supporting a local, independent charity which is committed to helping people to navigate the complex mental health maze.”

Richard Kotulecki, Lamp’s CEO, added: “I am delighted that Hinckley & Rugby Building Society has once again partnered with Lamp as the Headline Sponsor for the Lamp 5k challenge. Engagement with local businesses is a huge part of our work at Lamp as we continue to raise awareness of the mental health challenges people face, and of the help available to them from Lamp and from other organisations. That way, when people need the help, they know where to turn. Partnerships like this one are an essential part of doing this. As well as raising awareness and funds for Lamp, the Lamp 5K is in itself a useful tool for supporting mental health.

“To Hinckley & Rugby supporting the community is much more than donations and sponsorships. They recognise that the most valuable asset is their people, with society staff members actively involved in volunteering and fundraising. Almost 50 members of Society staff took part in Lamp’s Around The World 5K challenge last year and we are looking forward to seeing how many support the Trip to the Moon in 2022.”