This year’s edition of the BRIT Challenge saw 23 activities take place across 3 months, all in aid of young people’s mental health. The British Inspiration Trust (BRIT) Founder Phil Packer created BRIT with the intention of supporting and improving young adult mental health and physical fitness throughout the UK, aided by the advice and guidance from over 50 Charity Chief Executives and support from inspiring high-profile figures within the sporting community.

Canterbury Christ Church University began supporting the BRIT Challenge in 2020, with the ambitious task of rowing 2020 miles with our staff and students, using rowing machines whilst raising vital funds for young adult mental health. This year the University’s Sport & Active Health department took the challenge to new heights with 23 incredible activities across a 3-month period, each with the aim of raising the profile of young adult mental health and physical fitness within our student community, alongside generating funds to support both BRIT and Student Minds.

Activities included a launch event on 23 January with a goal of cycling 2023 kilometres in just one day. The event saw staff and students from across the University take part, including Vice-Chancellor Rama Thirunamachandran. The launch event ended in an overwhelming success, with the completion of 2056 miles with the help of 144 volunteers. BRIT 2023 also saw digital challenges from the University’s Moves app, pop-up table tennis, a student quiz, a UV sport session, running events, a pickleball tournament, a mindfulness labyrinth in association with the University’s Chaplaincy team, a University Book Shop reading list and window display and much more.

This year’s BRIT Challenge had 1665 interactions from staff and students taking part in the formidable list of challenges. David Wood, University Facilities Manager and Pickleball enthusiast said:

“It was great to see so many people taking part in an inaugural CCCU Pickleball Competition for BRIT 2023. We very much look forward to seeing more Pickleball action at CCCU in the coming months”.

Preparations are currently underway for BRIT 2024, with Director of Sport & Active Health Paul Carney adding:

“Working with BRIT every year has given us the opportunity to be creative with how we engage our University community, next year we’ll look for other creative ways to raise the profile of BRIT the charity and engage the people at our University”.