Sheffield Hallam Students’ Union Cheer and Dance society should have been heading to competition at BCA Telford in April 2020 to defend our national Champion titles for our teams; Black (Level 2 Cheerleading), Crimson (Level 1 Cheerleading squad), Sapphire (Jazz team) and Opal (Dance Pom Team) . Unfortunately, now that it has all come to a sudden end and we cannot complete this year. Despite this, our athletes are going to take on the 230 mile journey as a virtual run from Sheffield to Telford in aid of Mind Sheffield and IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services). 

Starting on Sunday 10th of May 2020 Hallam Cheer and Dance members, past and present will each run (or Bear crawl, if you dare!) as many miles possible in a 10 day period, they will log their miles to add to the team total, and hopefully we will be there and back from ‘Competition’ in no time.

This will all be kept in line with current government guidelines on daily exercise and social distancing .

In the battle against coronavirus, it’s important to recognize vulnerable individuals and people who might be at risk during this lockdown. Both charities aim to support vulnerable individuals during this crisis, where lockdown can be really challenging to cope with, or the environment is unsafe.

Since lockdown national domestic abuse hotlines rose by 49% and 16 people were killed in the first three weeks.  IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services) are determined to keep our refuges and helplines running in these immensely difficult times. As a result of the latest advice from the government, many of our teams will need to work differently. We will be providing support in several ways, including:

• Online video support sessions

• WhatsApp messaging

• Telephone calls

• Online live chat on our website

• Email

All of us are worried about coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it will affect us and those we love. Mind are still here to support you and to make sure everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect during these uncertain times.

Please give generously, thank you and good luck to all our athletes taking part!