Miriam O’Callaghan launched the ‘Row Your Demons’ challenge, as part of World Mental Health Awareness Month. The fundraiser is in aid of Turn2Me, a national mental health charity, which offers free one-to-one counselling sessions and free support groups 365 days a year. The ‘Row Your Demons’ fundraiser is asking people across the country to use a rowing machine for half an hour and donate €50 – the cost of one counselling session – to Turn2Me.
The charity stated that with the aftermath of the pandemic and the rising cost of living, accessible mental health services are more important now than ever. Turn2Me stated that using a rowing machine for half an hour will benefit our mental health, particularly because exercise has stress-busting benefits, such as increased endorphins. The charity stated that every person who joins the fundraiser will be ‘paying it forward’ and funding a counselling session for someone in Ireland.
“I’m delighted to launch Row Your Demons!” Miriam O’Callaghan said, “So many people across the country are suffering with anxiety, depression, grief, and loneliness, and many of these issues were exacerbated by the pandemic and again with the rising cost of living. It’s been a tough few years for many people, which is why it’s so important to support charities like Turn2Me that offer professional, accessible mental health services in Ireland.”
“Row Your Demons is a great fundraiser for gym-goers across the country!” Oisín Scollard, co-founder of Turn2Me, said, “Half an hour on a rowing machine is challenging but doable, and the funds raised go towards a great cause. People can row for half an hour on their own or go with a group of mates to the gym and row alongside each other. If they wish, people can also tag their friends on social media and nominate them to get involved in the Row Your Demons challenge. It’s a great challenge and all money raised will go towards funding professional one-to-one counselling sessions for people in Ireland.”
People can get involved in the Row Your Demons challenge by using a rowing machine for half an hour and donating €50 to Turn2Me on Turn2Me.ie or by going to https://www.idonate.ie/
About Turn2Me:
Turn2me was founded in 2009 stemming from the very personal experiences of Oisin and Diarmuid Scollard, who lost their brother to suicide in 2003. In 2013, turn2me gained the support of the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention to deliver counselling online. In 2019, turn2me joined forces with ReachOut Ireland to create a space for young people to find information to support their mental health online. As of September 2021, turn2me offers adult counselling and peer support services to adults and young people aged 12 plus. It also offers group support services for teenagers, young people and adults.