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[PRESS RELEASE] Embrace the power of nature for mental wellbeing! Mind HK’s annual “Move It for Mental Health 2024” campaign returns in March with a 50km in nature month-long challenge and its first-ever in-person fun run event along the harbourfront

24/01/2024
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(23rd January 2024 – Hong Kong) – Hong Kong mental health charity Mind HK announces its annual “Move It for Mental Health 2024” campaign to highlight the transformative power of exercising in nature on both mental and physical health. Sponsored by lululemon, this year’s campaign, which kicks off in March, will be taking a new hybrid approach, combining a 50km in nature virtual challenge with the charity’s first physical Fun Run to encourage individuals to prioritise their mental health through regular physical activity.

Exercise has a profound, positive impact on mental health. It improves mood, reduces stress and anxiety, enhances self-esteem, and boosts cognitive function. Additionally, exercise effectively reduces the risk of depression and can be utilised as a treatment for mild to moderate symptoms of depression (O’neal et al., 2000).

Despite the undoubted value of exercise, a quarter of adults in Hong Kong fail to achieve even a minimum level of physical activity (Centre for Health Protection, 2022), while only 5.2% of young people aged 5-17 reach the recommended levels of physical activity on weekdays (Inspiring HK, 2020). Additionally, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of individuals visiting the countryside, with 37% of respondents reporting fewer visits in 2023 compared to 2022 (Green Power Education Trust, 2023). These figures indicate a pressing need to encourage and support individuals in adopting regular outdoor exercise habits in Hong Kong, particularly given that 1 in every 6 people in the territory is experiencing a mental health condition (Mind HK, 2023).

For the seventh consecutive year, “Move It for Mental Health 2024” invites Hong Kong citizens to immerse themselves in a month-long virtual challenge. By registering online, individuals can join the virtual challenge to complete a cumulative distance of 50km in nature, either in a single continuous endeavour or by splitting it over multiple running, hiking, or walking sessions.

Participants are also encouraged to join an in-person Fun Run event for the first time. This not only adds a meaningful dimension to the 50km goal, but also creates a vibrant sense of community. By engaging individuals of all fitness levels across the city, this campaign aims to foster healthy lifestyle habits within the public and underscores the immense significance of embracing the great outdoors as a catalyst for overall wellbeing.

The 50km in nature virtual challenge will take place from 1st to 31st March and is free of charge. Anyone can sign up via Give Asia from now until Sunday 10th March 2024. They can achieve their goal in the month of March by taking up their choice of outdoor physical activities, such as walking, running, or hiking along nature trails, coastal walks, or country parks individually or as a team, while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the spring season.

Mind HK’s “Move It for Mental Health 2024” campaign is sponsored by lululemon and supported by Carbon. As an extra incentive, participants who successfully complete the challenge and take part in an end-of-challenge Wellbeing Survey will have a chance to win exciting prizes from supporting brands such as lululemon, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, and The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. To make your steps even more impactful, participants can also choose to make donations at the checkout process to receive a limited-edition ‘Move It’ tote bag as a token of Mind HK’s appreciation or become a #MoveitHK supporter and help raise funds for Mind HK through the Give Asia fundraising page. This will help to support the charity’s efforts in improving access to mental health services for the community.

“Move It for Mental Health 2024” will feature the first in-person Fun Run on 3rd March from 8:30 am to 12 noon, starting from the AIA Vitality Hub. Participants can choose to run or walk the 5km course along the harbourfront in Central. The event will kick off with a pre-race warm-up led by lululemon Ambassador Calvin Chan, ensuring participants are energised and ready to enjoy the course. Participants can enjoy post-run refreshments and mingle with fellow participants. This unique opportunity allows individuals to not only engage in some invigorating physical activity but also immerse themselves in the outdoors and the community. Registration for the in-person Fun Run event is available via Eventbrite.

Dr Candice Powell, CEO, Mind HK and a Clinical Psychologist, said, “It’s essential to acknowledge the profound impact of nature and physical activity on our mental wellbeing. Participating in outdoor exercise provides an antidote to the stresses of daily life in Hong Kong by offering a valuable opportunity to connect to our body and recharge. Research consistently shows the positive effects of outdoor physical activity on mental health, including stress reduction, anxiety alleviation, and improvements in mood and cognitive function.

“At Mind HK, we are dedicated to promoting the crucial connection between nature, exercise, and mental wellbeing. We are grateful to continue our partnership with lululemon and sincerely appreciate their generous support. We invite everyone to join us for Move it for Mental Health 2024, a 50km challenge designed to jumpstart your journey towards improved mental health and wellbeing.”

With over 2,000 participants in previous years, the campaign has received a lot of positive feedback. Results from the Wellbeing Survey of Mind HK in 2022 show that 85.5% of participants felt motivated to continue exercising, and there was an average increase of over 20% in overall levels of wellbeing based on the WHO-5 wellbeing index.

Yvette Kong, Mind HK Board Member, Olympic Swimmer and lululemon Mental Wellbeing Global Advisory Board Member, said, “Physical activity is about more than flexing your muscles; it’s about boosting mind power, too! Regular exercise not only boosts mood through the release of endorphins, but also serves as a powerful tool for stress reduction and enhancing our ability to manage anxiety and depression. Additionally, the discipline and focus required in physical training can help us to improve cognitive function and foster a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem, which are crucial for overall mental resilience.”

Cado Lee, lululemon Ambassador and Professional Rugby Player, said, “Playing sport allows me to focus on the present and not get distracted by other things; it also brings me joy doing it with friends.”

Mr Gareth Pope, Senior Vice President, lululemon, Asia Pacific, said, “Wellbeing has always been a top priority at lululemon. Through our Grow Impact Fund, we are proud to support Mind HK for the fourth year running in their work of empowering the community to achieve holistic wellbeing. lululemon is committed to advocating for and advancing greater possibilities and wellbeing for all. We aim to inspire people everywhere to embrace a healthier way of living, not only physically, but also mentally and socially.”

-END-

High-Resolution Images:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BVY-QBOpVIdm2wGBnIgZsb6r9Lo_qn7P?usp=sharing

Details about Mind HK Move It for Mental Health Campaign 2024
The 50km in nature virtual challenge
Event Period: 1st March 2024 – 31st March 2024
Registration: From now until 10th March 2024
Sign Up at: Give Asia
Fee: Free
Learn more here: https://www.mind.org.hk/moveithk2024/

Fun Run Event
Event Period: 3 March 2024 (Sunday)
Registration: From now until 29th February 2024
Sign Up at: Eventbrite
Fee: HK$320
Age Limit: All participants need to be at least 18 years of age or above

Press Enquiries:
Chance Communications
Chloe Hung / Jeff Chan
E: [email protected] / [email protected]
T: +852 6334 6038

Mind HK
Carol Liang, Deputy CEO, Mind HK
E: [email protected]

About Mind HK
Mind HK (Mind Mental Health Hong Kong Limited) is an S88 registered charity (91/16471), which was launched in 2017. The organisation’s vision is to ensure that no one in Hong Kong has to face a mental health problem alone. Through
resources, training, and outreach campaigns and programmes, the work of Mind HK helps to raise awareness of mental health and reduce the associated stigma, with the aim of achieving the best mental health for all in Hong Kong. With existing collaboration and research efforts, Mind HK is here to support Hong Kong in becoming a global leader and regional model for public mental health. For more on Mind HK’s work, vision, and mission, please visit www.mind.org.hk/.

Mind HK’s Social Media Platforms:
Mind HK’s Facebook: @hongkongmind /Mind HK’s Instagram: @mindhongkong / More Than a Label Instagram: @morethanalabelhk

About lululemon
lululemon is a healthy lifestyle inspired athletic apparel company for yoga, running, training, and most other sweaty pursuits for men and women, creating transformational products and experiences which enable people to live a life they love. lululemon believes everyone has the right to be well, and we know the path to wellbeing is possible when tools, support, and resources as accessible to all. Through the lululemon Centre for Social Impact, we leverage our expertise, resources, and communities to invest in and advocate for the wellbeing of those most impacted by systemic inequity, guided by our goal of positively impacting
10 million people by 2025.

lululemon’s Social Media Platforms:
lululemon Hong Kong and Macau’s Facebook: @lululemonhk / lululemon Hong Kong and Macau’s Instagram: @lululemonhk

 

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What is iACT Service?

Improving Access to Community Therapies (iACT®) is one of the services from Mind HK. Trained Wellbeing Practitioners will offer initial assessment and early intervention for people dealing with mild to moderate symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other emotional difficulties.

 

The service includes 6-8 sessions of low-intensity psychological support, the flexibility of the service allows individuals to receive free and timely support when needed.

If you’re aged between 18 – 65 and are facing some emotional challenges, we would like to invite you to take an online assessment for us to gain a better understanding of your current emotional struggle.

 

If you’re eligible, we’ll get you connected with a Wellbeing Practitioner within two weeks to sort out the next steps.

The service runs for about 3 months and includes 6-8 support sessions, tailored to your needs.

 

We encourage you to attend all sessions and actively practice the tips and exercises provided by your Wellbeing Practitioner.

We take your privacy seriously. Your chats with the Wellbeing Practitioner are confidential.

 

We won’t share any of your info unless you’ve provided consent or if there are risks detected.

This programme isn’t suitable for people facing emergencies, major setbacks, or those diagnosed with serious or complex mental health conditions.

 

If you’re having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, this programme might not meet your needs, so please seek help right away. You can check out Mind HK’s “Find Help Now” page for immediate information and services.

Most of our Wellbeing Practitioners have backgrounds in psychology or counselling and are passionate about mental health. They’ve gone through about 140 hours of intensive training and completed at least 120 hours of supervised clinical practice over 9 months to ensure the quality of service.

 

They’re trained by accredited local experts in the mental health field, including clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists, counsellors, and psychiatrists. Plus, we regularly check how effective our services are. All service outputs and performances are subject to consistent monitoring.

Who is suitable for participating in this programme?

This programme welcomes anyone between the ages of 18 and 65 who may be feeling lost or facing emotional difficulties. Please note that this programme is not suitable for individuals diagnosed with severe or complex mental health conditions.

This programme is not suitable for individuals diagnosed with severe or complex mental health conditions, but suitable for those who experience mild to severe moderate anxiety, mild to moderate depression, or other emotional challenges. If you are currently experiencing a major setback or even having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please visit the “Find Help Now” page on our Mind HK’s website for immediate information and services.

After signing up, our Wellbeing Practitioner will contact you within two weeks to schedule a convenient time for a 45-minute conversation, either via video or phone call, according to your preference. During the conversation, the Wellbeing Practitioner will understand your current situation and help you gain a better understanding of your emotional state based on the questionnaire you filled out during application. Additionally, they will provide recommendations for appropriate community resources based on your needs, helping you take an important first step in taking care of your mental health.

Although the intervention procedure is mostly standardised, Wellbeing Practitioners will work flexibly with clients to address individual presenting problems and unique characteristics.

Our Wellbeing Practitioners are trained to support people who experience mild to moderate mental health difficulties primarily. This programme is not suitable for the situations mentioned above. If you are currently experiencing a major setback or even having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please visit the “Find Help Now” page on our Mind HK’s website for immediate information and services.

Your conversations with the Wellbeing Practitioner are absolutely confidential. Any information about you will not be shared with anyone without your consent unless you or others are at immediate risk or the Wellbeing Practitioner has reason to believe that you may be in imminent danger.
Supervisors will monitor trainees’ development throughout the placement to ensure that they are meeting the required level of competency to pass the training course at the end of the placement.

Yes, it is necessary to book an appointment in advance by filling out the form. Additionally, you can select one of the five stores yourself. We will allocate clients to different Wellbeing Practitioners based on their chosen location.

Before having the conversation, we will ask you to fill out a basic questionnaire for preliminary screening assessment. This screening process aims to ensure that the training received by the Wellbeing Practitioners is sufficient to meet the needs of the individuals receiving the service. If it is determined after the screening assessment that the service is not suitable for you, Mind HK will provide alternative recommendations to ensure your safety and support.

For adults who are suitable for this service, all Wellbeing Practitioners have received training on how to identify and respond to safety and risk issues. If you have any concerns about the support process, the Wellbeing Practitioners have appropriate measures in place and will develop response plans based on the urgency of the situation. They can also access support from clinical practitioners from Mind HK or participating organisations.

What private training does Mind HK provide?

Mind HK provides 4 themes of mental health training, including: Supporting Self, Supporting Others, Family Wellbeing and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion).

 

Check out the brochure here for more information.

Mind HK provides a wide range of standardised mental health training, which can be tailored to different circumstances. Chat with our team to explore more! 

Our trainers come from a diverse, accredited pool of clinically experienced professionals. Check out our trainers’ biographies here.

Yes, the Mental Health First Aid class of Mind HK is internationally accredited by the MHFA International. The content and certification is delivered by trainers certified from the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong. You can find out our trainers accreditation here.

We are here to support your mental health education journey! Reach out to us and chat with our team.

[PRESS RELEASE] Embrace the power of nature for mental wellbeing! Mind HK’s annual “Move It for Mental Health 2024” campaign returns in March with a 50km in nature month-long challenge and its first-ever in-person fun run event along the harbourfront

(23rd January 2024 – Hong Kong) – Hong Kong mental health charity Mind HK announces its annual "Move It for Mental Health 2024" campaign to highlight the transformative power of exercising in nature on both mental and physical health. Sponsored by lululemon, this year's campaign, which kicks off in March, will be taking a new hybrid approach, combining a 50km in nature virtual challenge with the charity’s first physical Fun Run to encourage individuals to prioritise their mental health through regular physical activity.

Exercise has a profound, positive impact on mental health. It improves mood, reduces stress and anxiety, enhances self-esteem, and boosts cognitive function. Additionally, exercise effectively reduces the risk of depression and can be utilised as a treatment for mild to moderate symptoms of depression (O'neal et al., 2000).

Despite the undoubted value of exercise, a quarter of adults in Hong Kong fail to achieve even a minimum level of physical activity (Centre for Health Protection, 2022), while only 5.2% of young people aged 5-17 reach the recommended levels of physical activity on weekdays (Inspiring HK, 2020). Additionally, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of individuals visiting the countryside, with 37% of respondents reporting fewer visits in 2023 compared to 2022 (Green Power Education Trust, 2023). These figures indicate a pressing need to encourage and support individuals in adopting regular outdoor exercise habits in Hong Kong, particularly given that 1 in every 6 people in the territory is experiencing a mental health condition (Mind HK, 2023).

For the seventh consecutive year, "Move It for Mental Health 2024" invites Hong Kong citizens to immerse themselves in a month-long virtual challenge. By registering online, individuals can join the virtual challenge to complete a cumulative distance of 50km in nature, either in a single continuous endeavour or by splitting it over multiple running, hiking, or walking sessions.

Participants are also encouraged to join an in-person Fun Run event for the first time. This not only adds a meaningful dimension to the 50km goal, but also creates a vibrant sense of community. By engaging individuals of all fitness levels across the city, this campaign aims to foster healthy lifestyle habits within the public and underscores the immense significance of embracing the great outdoors as a catalyst for overall wellbeing.

The 50km in nature virtual challenge will take place from 1st to 31st March and is free of charge. Anyone can sign up via Give Asia from now until Sunday 10th March 2024. They can achieve their goal in the month of March by taking up their choice of outdoor physical activities, such as walking, running, or hiking along nature trails, coastal walks, or country parks individually or as a team, while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the spring season.

Mind HK’s “Move It for Mental Health 2024” campaign is sponsored by lululemon and supported by Carbon. As an extra incentive, participants who successfully complete the challenge and take part in an end-of-challenge Wellbeing Survey will have a chance to win exciting prizes from supporting brands such as lululemon, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, and The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. To make your steps even more impactful, participants can also choose to make donations at the checkout process to receive a limited-edition ‘Move It’ tote bag as a token of Mind HK’s appreciation or become a #MoveitHK supporter and help raise funds for Mind HK through the Give Asia fundraising page. This will help to support the charity’s efforts in improving access to mental health services for the community.

“Move It for Mental Health 2024” will feature the first in-person Fun Run on 3rd March from 8:30 am to 12 noon, starting from the AIA Vitality Hub. Participants can choose to run or walk the 5km course along the harbourfront in Central. The event will kick off with a pre-race warm-up led by lululemon Ambassador Calvin Chan, ensuring participants are energised and ready to enjoy the course. Participants can enjoy post-run refreshments and mingle with fellow participants. This unique opportunity allows individuals to not only engage in some invigorating physical activity but also immerse themselves in the outdoors and the community. Registration for the in-person Fun Run event is available via Eventbrite.

Dr Candice Powell, CEO, Mind HK and a Clinical Psychologist, said, “It’s essential to acknowledge the profound impact of nature and physical activity on our mental wellbeing. Participating in outdoor exercise provides an antidote to the stresses of daily life in Hong Kong by offering a valuable opportunity to connect to our body and recharge. Research consistently shows the positive effects of outdoor physical activity on mental health, including stress reduction, anxiety alleviation, and improvements in mood and cognitive function.

“At Mind HK, we are dedicated to promoting the crucial connection between nature, exercise, and mental wellbeing. We are grateful to continue our partnership with lululemon and sincerely appreciate their generous support. We invite everyone to join us for Move it for Mental Health 2024, a 50km challenge designed to jumpstart your journey towards improved mental health and wellbeing.”

With over 2,000 participants in previous years, the campaign has received a lot of positive feedback. Results from the Wellbeing Survey of Mind HK in 2022 show that 85.5% of participants felt motivated to continue exercising, and there was an average increase of over 20% in overall levels of wellbeing based on the WHO-5 wellbeing index.

Yvette Kong, Mind HK Board Member, Olympic Swimmer and lululemon Mental Wellbeing Global Advisory Board Member, said, “Physical activity is about more than flexing your muscles; it’s about boosting mind power, too! Regular exercise not only boosts mood through the release of endorphins, but also serves as a powerful tool for stress reduction and enhancing our ability to manage anxiety and depression. Additionally, the discipline and focus required in physical training can help us to improve cognitive function and foster a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem, which are crucial for overall mental resilience.”

Cado Lee, lululemon Ambassador and Professional Rugby Player, said, “Playing sport allows me to focus on the present and not get distracted by other things; it also brings me joy doing it with friends.”

Mr Gareth Pope, Senior Vice President, lululemon, Asia Pacific, said, “Wellbeing has always been a top priority at lululemon. Through our Grow Impact Fund, we are proud to support Mind HK for the fourth year running in their work of empowering the community to achieve holistic wellbeing. lululemon is committed to advocating for and advancing greater possibilities and wellbeing for all. We aim to inspire people everywhere to embrace a healthier way of living, not only physically, but also mentally and socially.”

-END-

High-Resolution Images:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BVY-QBOpVIdm2wGBnIgZsb6r9Lo_qn7P?usp=sharing

Details about Mind HK Move It for Mental Health Campaign 2024
The 50km in nature virtual challenge
Event Period: 1st March 2024 – 31st March 2024
Registration: From now until 10th March 2024
Sign Up at: Give Asia
Fee: Free
Learn more here: https://www.mind.org.hk/moveithk2024/

Fun Run Event
Event Period: 3 March 2024 (Sunday)
Registration: From now until 29th February 2024
Sign Up at: Eventbrite
Fee: HK$320
Age Limit: All participants need to be at least 18 years of age or above

Press Enquiries:
Chance Communications
Chloe Hung / Jeff Chan
E: [email protected] / [email protected]
T: +852 6334 6038

Mind HK
Carol Liang, Deputy CEO, Mind HK
E: [email protected]

About Mind HK
Mind HK (Mind Mental Health Hong Kong Limited) is an S88 registered charity (91/16471), which was launched in 2017. The organisation’s vision is to ensure that no one in Hong Kong has to face a mental health problem alone. Through
resources, training, and outreach campaigns and programmes, the work of Mind HK helps to raise awareness of mental health and reduce the associated stigma, with the aim of achieving the best mental health for all in Hong Kong. With existing collaboration and research efforts, Mind HK is here to support Hong Kong in becoming a global leader and regional model for public mental health. For more on Mind HK’s work, vision, and mission, please visit www.mind.org.hk/.

Mind HK’s Social Media Platforms:
Mind HK’s Facebook: @hongkongmind /Mind HK’s Instagram: @mindhongkong / More Than a Label Instagram: @morethanalabelhk

About lululemon
lululemon is a healthy lifestyle inspired athletic apparel company for yoga, running, training, and most other sweaty pursuits for men and women, creating transformational products and experiences which enable people to live a life they love. lululemon believes everyone has the right to be well, and we know the path to wellbeing is possible when tools, support, and resources as accessible to all. Through the lululemon Centre for Social Impact, we leverage our expertise, resources, and communities to invest in and advocate for the wellbeing of those most impacted by systemic inequity, guided by our goal of positively impacting
10 million people by 2025.

lululemon’s Social Media Platforms:
lululemon Hong Kong and Macau’s Facebook: @lululemonhk / lululemon Hong Kong and Macau’s Instagram: @lululemonhk