NHS 111 Wales team work out for charity

Colleagues from NHS 111 Wales, the urgent healthcare advice service, exercised every day as part of last month’s RED January challenge to beat the ‘winter blues’ and raise money.

RED January is a nationwide movement empowering people to get active every day to support their own mental wellbeing and raise funds to help Sport in Mind, the UK’s leading mental health sports charity.

Over 31 days, colleagues accumulated more than 460km of exercise.

Samantha Winnett, Nurse Advisor for NHS 111 Wales, which is hosted by the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “As a result of high call demand to 111 throughout the winter period, a Team 111 Wales Strava group was set up to help us manage the stressful period, keep us active, improve our wellbeing, support each other and record our fitness achievements.

“At the beginning of January, we carried on recording our fitness activities, but with the added twist of fundraising for charity.

“Lots of us took part, supporting and joining staff members on their day of exercise, with a total of 19 people completing a form of physical exercise each day.

“It’s really important for us to keep active to strengthen our mental wellness, and we encourage others to do the same.

“We have such an incredible team in NHS 111 Wales, one we are all proud to be a part of.”

Pete Brown, Head of Service for NHS 111 Wales, added: “A massive congratulations to all the staff that took part.

“NHS 111 Wales is made up of incredibly thoughtful and compassionate people, who continuously care for the people of Wales.

“It’s fantastic to see them working together outside of their roles to support each other and fundraise for a brilliant cause.”

You can still sponsor the team by visiting the fundraising link here.

NHS 111 Wales provides round-the-clock expert healthcare advice, both online and on the phone, making it easier for you to get the right care, in the right place, first time.

The NHS 111 Wales website can check your symptoms, provide trusted healthcare advice, and help you find your local GP, pharmacies, minor injuries unit and other professional services nearby.