Charity Ambassadors
The pair have been working to start the dialogue behind mental health for years, as Jenny has suffered with poor mental health throughout their life together. Scott explains that in the early days it was something that he felt embarrassed about, as it was something that just wasn’t spoken about. He now does everything he can to start the dialogue and supports mental health charities. He says, “Exercise stimulates good mental and physical health.”
The couple became ambassadors for the charity Support in Mind four years ago. Scott explained, “The charity approached us to get involved on the back of Jenny’s public declaration that she struggled at times with her mental health. Now, while supporting the charity, she gets to talk about it far more, that’s part of the healing process. The dialogue allows you to open up.”
After opening her heart and story out to the public, Jenny has taken part in several other campaigns. One of these was the #ThisIsMe campaign. The ‘This is Me’ campaign aims to support organisations, and their employees, to talk about mental health. It encourages people with experience of a mental health problem, whether their own or that of a loved one, to share their stories.
Jenny also supports others who are doing their part to raise awareness for mental health. We joined her at an event at Murrayfield hosted by Fergus Crawley last November. Fergus hosted the Mega Movember event after running a 94-mile run for the 94 male suicides every week in the UK. Fergus ran in after running from Loch Lomond to Murrayfield and the room was filled with emotion. Scott compered the event and Jenny shared her story with the crowd. It was clear to see their passion in everything that they are doing to promote that physical health goes hand in hand with mental health.
100 Streets Challenge
Scott, alongside Colin Leslie from Support in Mind Scotland, came up with the concept of 100 Streets. You choose your route any time between 1 April and 10 October (World Mental Health Day) and walk, run or cycle your way around 100 streets in your community to raise mental health awareness. You can do the 100 Streets Challenge solo, with a friend, or as part of a group. Registration is now open for 2020! The challenge is absolutely free, but the charity does appreciate any fundraising or donations.
Scott and Jenny Hastings are a great example of real people, with real stories who are contributing positively in their community, every day. A couple who have found their balance for living a full life, despite the challenges.