One in four people experience a mental health problem each year in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Thats 223,575 people.

One in five in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will also experience thoughts of self-harm or suicide in their life. This equates to 178,860 people.

Research shows that only one in three people in the country who need support are accessing it. For Cambridgeshire and Peterborough this means that only 74,000 people are receiving the help they need to combat mental health issues, leaving 149,050 people in need, unsupported

Sadly, statistics show that that over the course of someones lifetime one in 15 people in the UK will attempt suicide; for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough thats 59,620 people.

These are stark statistics and is why Evolve Counselling is asking for the county to take part in the 45 for 45 Challenge, to exercise the brain and body and positively influence mental health across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Whats the challenge? Celebrating its 45th anniversary this year, Evolve Counselling is challenging you to run, cycle, swim or walk or undertake an act of mindfulness or mediation, or an activity that supports your wellbeing, for 45 minutes for 45 days or build up to 45 minutes over the 45 days. It is well evidenced that physical and wellbeing activities release endorphins in the body positively benefitting your mental health.

What is Evolve Counselling? Evolve Counselling provides affordable counselling and related services to people in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough local communities who either cannot afford to pay market rates or wait for a GP appointment. Additionally. Evolve provides counselling services to support organisations with their employees mental health and wellbeing investing this money back into supporting affordable counselling in community. The charity ensures that lack of funds is no barrier to getting help.