Silver Buck is running a half marathon!

By Siobhan Fitzsimons, Senior Account Executive

We’re definitely more used to running messaging workshops and media briefings to tell you the truth, but as a team that take pride in being courageous, Silver Buck has decided to run half marathon this September! 

We’re picking up our running shoes to take part in the Ealing Half Marathon on 25th September and will be raising money for a very worthy cause in the process. 

Silver Buck are supporting the use of digital technologies to promote better mental health in the UK 

We’re passionate about using the power of technology to transform healthcare in the UK, which is why we’ll be raising money for Mental Health Innovations. Founded in November 2017, the charity uses digital innovation, data-driven analysis, and the experience of clinical experts to improve the mental health of the UK population through the provision of digital tools, support and resources. 

You might know them as the charity that runs Shout 8528 – a free confidential text-messaging service that saves lives, providing immediate support to people who are anxious, stressed, depressed and suicidal. 

What does Mental Health Innovations do?

So far 1,270,000 text conversations have taken place through Shout, supported by 2,500 trained volunteers and 84 staff members across the United Kingdom and New Zealand. It was a vital service to many people reaching crisis point during the coronavirus lockdowns, and they need funds to continue providing this life-saving support. 

In addition to Shout, MHI has also partnered with Hive Learning to deliver a digital training programme that supports wellbeing in the workplace.  

James Fletcher, Head of Corporate Fundraising, Mental Health Innovations, said: “We’re hugely grateful to the team at Silver Buck for taking on the challenge of the Ealing Half Marathon this year for Mental Health Innovations. We’re here around the clock for anyone in the UK and every £10 they raise can provide someone in urgent need with an hours’ worth of mental health support from our Shout text messaging support service. So, a huge thank you to the whole team, and to everyone who donates to their fundraising – good luck!” 

We’re looking forward to the challenge ahead

While we do have a few experienced runners in our team, the rest of us are what you might call beginners. You can follow our progress on our Twitter and LinkedIn, where we’ll share fundraising milestones, training updates, and maybe even a sweaty selfie or two.  

Steve Bryant, Co-Founder and Director, Silver Buck, said: “As the largest digital health communications agency in the UK, we spend all of our time at Silver Buck telling powerful stories about how technology and innovation is making a difference to our health and care system. The work that Mental Health Innovations is doing is one of those stories – and one that is very important to us. With a mixture of excitement and dread (I ran my last half marathon many moons ago!), I’m excited to get training with the team and do something for a very worthy cause.”  

If you would like to donate, please visit our fundraising page here.