The countdown is on for this year’s Swansea Half Marathon and eager participants are busy training for the big day on Sunday, June 8.
Swansea University is the event’s official sponsor and has been encouraging its staff, students and alumni to join forces and race as Team Swansea once again.
Over the past two years they have raised more than £40,000 for the University’s Making Strides for Mental Health campaign which funds essential research into suicide prevention, along with mental health and wellbeing support for students. And this year’s intrepid Team Swansea runners are set to push that total even higher.
Already their contributions are being put to good use and are making a real difference across the University.
Thanks to Team Swansea, students have benefited from a variety of free fitness and activity sessions which not only help promote physical activity as a way of improving mental health but also give students an opportunity to engage in stress-relieving activities.
Among these were surf therapy sessions held at Caswell Bay which had a real impact on the participants’ mental and emotional health.
Afterwards one said: “The sessions have had a huge positive impact on me; this is the happiest and most optimistic I have been all year.”
Another student told organisers: “Before surf therapy I was extremely anxious, with no sense of what the future would hold for me. I was constantly checking on my problems and it seemed like my life revolved around them.
“But going surfing, I always knew there was something good waiting for me at the end of the week. I looked forward to it and when I was stressed, I keep thinking ‘I’ll feel better after surfing’. I will continue to surf, and I am so grateful for this opportunity.”
The participants all found the sessions beneficial. “I feel inspired and more optimistic about spending more time outside. Trying a new activity was a big boost and even with only one session, I’m really keen to come back and carry on,” added another student.
There are now plans for more outdoor activities and sports-related events, particularly for neurodiverse individuals and those seeking alternative ways to stay active.
In addition, the funding has allowed Professor Ann John and her team of researchers within the Medical School to continue to explore young people’s mental health, including suicide and self-harm prevention.
The donations have also supported a special programme helping the University’s nursing students build the resilience they need to cope with the pressures of their new careers. The money has paid for VR headsets which are now used for successful stress management and mindfulness sessions.
Swansea University Head of Development and Engagement Rachel Thomas said: “Every mile makes a difference, and we hope hearing what their donations have funded so far will be the perfect incentive this year’s runners need as they push towards the finishing line.
“We have had tremendous support from our wonderful Team Swansea members over the past two years, and we want the 2025 runners to know just how important their sponsorship will be too.”
Even if you are not running you can support Team Swansea by making a donation here or why not come along on the day and cheer the runners on?
Find out more about the race and route