Cumbrian TV presenter Helen Skelton has revealed she is “really proud” to stand alongside TV stars launching a new mental health campaign.
The Hats On For Mind campaign saw Skelton join ambassadors such as including Julia Bradbury, Gethin Jones, ex-footballer David Seaman and fellow Countryfile presenter Sean Fletcher in designing their own hat and coordinating flask.
The exclusive range of colourful woolly hats and flasks will be sold nationwide from Thursday with 100% of the profits donated to the charity Mind to help raise funds for mental health support.
🟠 On today's show:
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🚨 @staplenick on a Scam Interceptors bust!
🩺 Seasonal change and dementia @DrRanj
💷 Budgeting for Christmas
👩👧👦 @GethincJones @HelenSkelton
📺 9.15am @BBCOne or watch here:
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Helen, who quit her BBC5 Live gig earlier this year, announced just last month she'll be joining the iconic Fireman Sam children's television show.
Former Blue Peter host Skelton, 40, said in a statement to the PA news agency: “I’m really proud to be involved with Hats On For Mind again this year, encouraging people to get outside to talk, walk and blow away the cobwebs.
“I’ve always loved being outdoors and I am lucky that my work and kids often keep me in the fresh air.
“I’ll be wearing my hat and drinking a brew from my brand new flask all winter and will be encouraging others to do the same.”
The collection, in partnership with Go Outdoors and Mind, hopes to encourage the nation to head outside in support of their mental well-being this winter to relieve feelings of stress and anxiety.
“We have all faced some kind of difficulty or challenges in life"
Outdoors enthusiast and TV presenter Bradbury said: “We have all faced some kind of difficulty or challenges in life, so I’m delighted to be part of Hats On For Mind highlighting the positive impact the outdoors has on our well-being.
“Sometimes the easiest way to open up to a friend or loved one about how you feel is by taking a long walk and simply talking side by side.
“This tip has helped me so many times, in particular over the past year, and I hope is something that can help others too. The benefits to getting out there really are endless.”
Bradbury revealed in 2021 that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and later underwent a mastectomy during which her breast and two lymph glands were removed before reconstruction took place.
Jack Matthews, associate director of fundraising at Mind, said: “We are in a difficult time, with many of us feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
“We can expect to see a rise in mental health problems and increased demand for mental health services so the support we’re receiving from Go Outdoors is crucial.
“The money raised through this partnership will help us to keep our vital services running, including the Mind Infoline, legal line, and our online peer support community Side by Side, so that we can be there for the people who need us.”
"Lost and Found in the Lakes" - A Heartwarming Quest for Lost Treasures Led by #HelenSkelton
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Pick up your limited edition Mind hats and flasks from Go Outdoors and retailers including Blacks, Millets, and Fishing Republic – who are aiming to beat last year’s fundraising total of over £233,303 for Mind.
Helen Skelton will be hosting a new heart-warming show in which she will be reuniting lost treasures to their owners.
What else is Helen up to?
Due to air in 2024, Lost and Found in the Lakes will feature Skelton and a team of experts tracing prized possessions throughout the Lake District.
The BBC series, made by North-Wales company Ty'r Ddraig, captures the drama and suspense of uncovering the lost items, as well as talking to the people who have an emotional connection to both the area and the items lost.
“Thrilled to be part of this series filmed in my beloved Lake District.
"It’s a chance to showcase the areas natural beauty and by reuniting people with their lost treasures we have a chance to share some heart-warming stories," Helen said.
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