We're calling on Edinburgh Napier staff, students, clubs and societies to join together and take on the annual BRIT Challenge fundraiser.

The British Inspiration Trust (BRIT) runs an annual challenge to support student and staff mental health, fitness and wellbeing and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Between 23 January and 23 March, we will be encouraging students and staff of all abilities to take on the BRIT Challenge to improve their own mental health and wellbeing, help destigmatise mental health, and champion equality, diversity and inclusion.

Get involved with the challenge

As a university, we are taking on the BRIT Challenge to reach 23,000 miles by 23 March. You can do this through any kind of physical activity, including walking, jogging, wheelchair-pushing, cycling, swimming, rowing, or any other team sport or activity. Take part as a team or as an individual - all you need to do is track your steps/distance and convert them into miles!

Enter your miles every Monday to log the previous week's activity (from Monday to Sunday).

Log your miles for the BRIT Challenge.

Get involved with the fundraiser

All the money we raise during the challenge will be split between ENSA’s Community Pantry and BRIT itself, which supports mental health charities such as Papyrus, Charlie Waller, and Samaritans.

The theme of the challenge is 2023, and we're aiming to raise at least £2,023 for these worthy charities by reaching our 23,000-mile target.

To make a donation, visit our GiveStar fundraising page.

23 acts of kindness and self-care

As well as encouraging physical activity, we also want to encourage you to consider participating in 23 acts of kindness and self-care over the course of the BRIT Challenge. We will add new ideas each week, so keep checking back for fresh inspiration!

• Offer to ‘foster’ a pet for owners who are struggling from illness, homelessness or domestic abuse - check out Pet Fostering Service Scotland.
• Sign up to Action For Happiness or download their app for advice on what you can do to focus on happiness for yourself and those you love and care for.
• Learn to revive a tired or struggling bee.
• If you have a warm coat in reasonable condition, find a drop off point and pass it on to someone who needs it via Coats4Calais.
• Volunteer with the City of Edinburgh Council in libraries, supporting refugees, social care, or with families and households in need.
• Volunteer with the Scottish SPCA, which has many rewarding roles where you can aid animals in a crisis or emergency.
• Be a great neighbour by giving away items you don't need or offering assistance on apps and websites such as Next Door, Buy Nothing, Freecycle and Olio.