Join us for the BRIT Challenge 2023

Solent University will be taking part in the BRIT Challenge 2023 to support the mental health agenda for our students and staff, and we need your help.

In July 2022, Solent University awarded an Honorary Degree on Phil Packer MBE. Phil is a mental health and fitness, disability and charity adviser. He is the founder and non-paid CEO of the British Inspiration Trust (BRIT).

The work of the BRIT to support young adult, student and staff mental health and wellbeing has led to the delivery of the annual BRIT Challenge. This inclusive, feel-good fundraiser for every UK university and college encourages participation to improve mental health and fitness.

To date, almost 250 university and college teams have taken part. Since January 2022, almost 200 Olympians, Paralympians, sports personalities, adventurers and explorers, have joined the BRIT Ambassador family to share their lived experience to inspire, encourage and enthuse young adults and students to take part in the annual BRIT Challenge.

Read more about the BRIT and the BRIT Challenge 2023 >

Get involved

This year, Solent University will be taking part in the BRIT Challenge 2023 to support the mental health agenda for our students and staff. The challenge will take place between Monday 23 January and Thursday 23 March 2023.

We are aiming to raise awareness of this important issue by completing 2023 miles, 23 acts of kindness and raising £2,023 for the BRIT and Solent Mind. And we need your help! In January, February and/or March, help us by completing some of the miles by hand-cycling, cycling, wheelchair pushing, swimming, walking, jogging, running, rowing or paddling (canoeing, kayaking or paddle-boarding). This year, participants can also take part by completing a mindfulness activity (like yoga, drawing, knitting, etc.) or an act of kindness (helping a neighbour, volunteering, donating, etc.).

If you'd like to take part, please fill in this form or scan the QR code below. We'd also encourage you to post of social media (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram), using #WeAreSolent. You can also follow BRIT on Twitter and use #TheBRITChallenge to help raise even more awareness.

Join us for our launch event on Monday 23 January between 2-4pm, in the Spark atrium, when our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Karen Stanton, will be joined by staff, students and external stakeholders, to launch the event with the first mile.

Also, our therapy and mental health team will be leading a wellbeing walk at 3pm from outside the Spark. All staff and students are welcome. 

If you have any queries, please email askthevc@solent.ac.uk