Happy Feet, a non-profit swim and hike club founded by Sophie Russell, 19, is set to open to the public at the beginning of June for the first hike and swim of the summer.
The club, which is based in Crookesmoor, Sheffield, was created as a means to raise money for SANE, a UK-based charity which aims to improve the quality of life for anyone affected by a mental illness, as well as providing emotional support, guidance and information to everyone involved.
Miss Russell said “A lot of people I know have either struggled with their own mental health, or have had someone close to them battle a mental illness.”
“It is vital that these people receive the support they need, and the guidance they may require to help them navigate through their struggles.”
SANE, which started as an acronym for ‘Schizophrenia: A National Emergency’, is now concerned with all mental illnesses, and aspires to help create a world where there is no shame or blame surrounding mental illness.
As a charity, they believe that mental illnesses need to be recognised as one of the greatest challenges facing society, and must be treated with the same seriousness as physical illnesses.
Their campaigns aim to raise awareness about issues such as: new research; medications, treatments and therapies; the impact of the internet on mental health; and rising levels of depression and anxiety.
Swims and hikes are currently set to occur every two weeks, with the first group trip planned to happen in Rivelin Valley Park, Sheffield, at the beginning of June. The exact date and time have yet to be announced.
Membership fees for the club are in the form of donations towards SANE, and although there is no set payment, Miss Russell recommends a £3 minimum.
Through donations to Happy Feet, alongside other charity swims and hikes she plans to partake in, Miss Russell aims to raise a total of £20,000 for SANE by the time she graduates from The University of Sheffield, in 2027.
To find out more, keep an eye out for the new Happy Feet Instagram page, which will soon contain details of the first charity hike and swim!
