A month-long sea swimming challenge will take place in October to raise funds for Helplink, which provides accessible, free and low cost mental health services.
The national ‘Coldtober’ fundraiser challenge will take place in 20 locations across Ireland, with all proceeds going to Helplink.
The challenge will take place at Blackrock in Salthill, but people across the county are invited to participate by swimming in their local swimming spot.
For those who would like to take part but does not live near the sea, they can still take part by having a 30-second cold shower each day!
Founder and CEO of Helplink Mental Health Lochlann Scott said that they were bowled over last year by the support that received from NUIG students who did a sea swimming challenge.
“Now that we are launching this inaugural national event called Coldtober, we hope that people all around the country will join us,” said Lochlann.
“Either by jumping into the water everyday in October, sponsoring a friend or family member, or by donating to these great services.
“All proceeds from Coldtober will go towards supporting the organisation to provide our much needed mental health services locally, nationally and internationally; thank you to everyone taking part and to our sponsors.”
Coldtober donations will support Helplink’s free and low cost mental health services for children, young people and adults, which operate seven days a week and out–of–hours.
Money will also go to its free international counselling service for Irish citizens – so far they have supported Irish citizens with their mental health in 36 different countries.
Helplink also provides a free gambling addiction counselling that is available nationwide by phone and online; 24/7 and its e-learning platform Mind Hacks provides free video and podcast libraries on mental health and student/employee wellbeing workshops.
Registration for Coldtober is €30. Sign up HERE or make a donation at https://www.idonate.ie/event/3068_coldtober.html
