It’s time to give back! We are reflecting on the efforts of our NHS heroes and asking what we can all do for them?

Here at VOOM, we are really excited to be partnering with, and raising funds for, Friends of The Lake District to support ‘The Sanctuary Project’. The scheme uses ‘nature therapy’ and the outdoors to support exhausted NHS workers whose mental health has suffered after tirelessly fighting the coronavirus pandemic. The project commences early in 2021 and will run for an initial 12 month period, with hopes of an extension beyond that.

Ruth Kirk, Landscape Engagement Officer with Friends of the Lake District said, “Since the COVID outbreak, two things have become clear: how much we rely on nature and how much we rely on our frontline workers. Day in and day out, we’ve seen them bravely and selflessly risk their lives to care for the most vulnerable members of society.”

The shocking statistics speak for themselves; 92% of emergency workers and NHS staff have suffered mental health problems and a heart-breaking one in four have considered taking their own life and this was before Covid-19. More recently, 75% feel their mental health has been negatively affected by Covid.

Chris Roxburgh, VOOM ambassador said, “As a VOOM Ambassador and a Paramedic I am so proud to be part of a company that has supported the NHS through the pandemic. 50% off to all NHS workers and now supporting such a great charitable cause. 

The statistics are frightening when you read how many workers have been struck by Mental Health issues during this crisis. I myself have suffered from Mental Health issues during my time as a Paramedic and I know how people suffer. I find that exercise and being outside has always helped me and this fantastic project combining nature, and frontline workers is a brilliant idea.”

Whilst taking part in this project, beneficiaries will have the opportunity engage with the landscape, participate in different activities and learn new skills. The positive effect of reconnecting with nature has been widely reported and within The Sanctuary Project activities such as tree-planting aim to do just that. Other activities include wild swimming, coppicing, bushcraft, and camping – activities for which VOOM can happily provide energy.

Jo Rycroft from VOOM said, “As outdoor enthusiasts ourselves at VOOM, we appreciate and know first-hand how powerful spending time in nature can be, so the partnership felt a natural one. We feel we can make a real difference so are hoping everyone gets behind us with it”.

Friends of the Lake District are renowned for their efforts and commitment to sustainability, so it’s great to see this project using nature to help people cope with the challenges brought about by this year and build resilience, whilst helping protect and enhance the Lake District landscapes.

How are VOOM helping?

VOOM pledged a minimum contribution of £1500, directly donating £5 for eachthe first 200 sales of the VOOM Beanie to the scheme, so this also includes all sales of the VOOM Christmas Gift Special.

As the nights draw in and temperatures fall, the VOOM running hat is the ideal addition to your winter training wardrobe. It’s not just any old hat; the hat is made with reflective yarn so looks great for every-day wear but when the light hits it the yarn reflects to help you been seen and stay safe whilst training in dark conditions this winter.

If you’d like to learn more or support The Sanctuary Project further, you can your VOOM Beanie here to support the project. Why not give a VOOM hat as a gift this Christmas so you can give and give back!

Please do share the blog so together we can maximise the help we can offer The Sanctuary Project.