During the current lockdown restrictions, it's more important than ever to reach out to each other - family, friends, colleagues... anyone really. It's also why LADbible has re-launched UOKM8? in support of Samaritans with a new virtual challenge, '8K with a M8'.
We watched on as social media was taken over with people running five kilometres recently - nominations were flying all over the place. This is very similar but the main goal is to urge people to check in with their peers during Mental Health Awareness Week - but also get a bit of exercise at the same time because, well, endorphins.
Launched today, the campaign and new online hub www.8k-m8.com, will incorporate information videos, advice and real-life stories while encouraging LADbible's young audience to call at least one friend or colleague over the next few weeks and complete an activity together.
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Both participants are encouraged to either walk, run or cycle 4km to complete 8km together, nominate others to take part and donate to Samaritans to help volunteers be there around the clock for anyone who is struggling to cope during these challenging times.
In a recent poll, more than a quarter of LADbible's audience admitted to feeling lonely and less than half are actively reaching out to friends and family to share positive messages each day. So if there was a time to complete this challenge, it's right now.
The aim of the campaign is to remind young people to talk to each other during lockdown as well as raise vital funds for Samaritans and awareness of Samaritans services available to those who need them.
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All you need to do is: Sign up to the challenge and pay an entry fee of £8 for you and your mate to take part - if you donate a little extra you'll get a medal for both of you.
Complete the 4km each to reach that 8km goal. You can run, jog, walk or cycle. You then need to upload your stats for your digital medal and a selfie for a finisher photo - then share both on your social media channels using the hashtag #8KM8.
The last thing is to nominate another mate to take part and there we have it - a viral challenge worth participating in.
Samaritans' 20,000 volunteers answer a call for help every six seconds and the helpline is feeling the pressure with more people struggling to cope or in crisis.
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Now more than ever we need Samaritans to be here 24/7, 365 days a year for anyone who needs help - this could be someone you know, a family member or friend.
But Samaritans' life-saving work is only possible thanks to the public's generous donations. This campaign will encourage participants to donate to the charity to help them to continue to support those in need.
Samaritans CEO Ruth Sutherland said: "In challenging times, it is essential that we look after our mental health and don't lose the power of human connection. We're so grateful to have the support of LADbible as they launch their new campaign.
"It is more important than ever that we keep in touch with the people we care about and reach out to those who may need some extra support and this campaign it is a great way to encourage that."
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You can sign up to the '8K with a M8' challenge here.
Realbuzz work with active endurance events around the world, and are pioneers in the emerging virtual events sector. Their platform powers the 8K with a M8 campaign.
UOKM8? is a campaign by LADbible, featuring films and stories that provide advice and inspiration on mental health. Explore more here and don't suffer in silence. Let's talk mental health.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Viral, Mental Health, UOKM8?, Community