3 Marathons for Mental Health

About me

A warm welcome back if you've been on the journey with me for the past three years! If you are new to my story, here's how it's gone. For the first two years, I completed the London Marathon virtually, then last year I ran the actual race!  It was a life changing experience that I will never forget, that's why I am back, to take the challenge on again, next year!  

To make the challenge that more difficult I will be running three Major UK Marathons in three weekends, this will include:

My cause is the same as it’s always been, putting mind, body and soul on the line for the better mental health and wellbeing for all humanity.  I’m delighted to share that I will be partnering with Taraki for this exciting initiative.

About Taraki

Taraki was founded in October 2017 by Shuranjeet Singh after his personal experiences with mental health challenges as a student. Shuranjeet felt incredibly lucky as he was supported through his struggles by his friends. However, he observed that many facing similar challenges within Punjabi communities were unable to access adequate support. He felt that everyone should have access to help when they most needed it, so he started Taraki.

We all know someone who has experienced mental health difficulties: whether ourselves, family members, or friends. Within Punjabi communities, those living with mental health difficulties can encounter challenges from stigma to navigating health systems. This can sometimes lead to increased isolation and a lack of support, meaning that people aren't able to effectively find and access help.

Taraki envisions that Punjabi communities perceive and embrace mental health as an integral facet of life. We want to shape an environment which enables approaches to mental health centred on autonomy and community knowledge, working across intersections of identities and other drivers of health. Through this, we hope that communities live more empowered, meaningful and supported lives.

The Project - Youth Mental Health Innovation Fund: Using Social Media for Good

The crisis of youth mental health is a huge issue affecting millions worldwide. The rise in anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues among young people has become a major concern. Social media, while offering avenues for connection and self-expression, has also played a significant role in exacerbating this crisis.

The constant exposure to curated, idealised lives on platforms can lead to social comparison, creating feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem among vulnerable youth. Cyberbullying, online harassment, and the fear of missing out contribute to heightened stress levels. Moreover, the addictive nature of social media can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to increased feelings of isolation, detachment, and anxiety.

Taraki is fighting this challenge head on by creating the Youth Mental Health Innovation Fund which is focusing on the topic of Social Media for Good. This fund is a collection of micro-grants which will be awarded to innovative and inspired Punjabi youth who want to start a positive initiative using social media to improve mental health and wellbeing.

Each person will receive funding support to plan and test their idea with help from Taraki’s experts. We recognise that we need to invest in our youth to improve young people’s mental health. Our youth have the solutions and they can show us how to use social media for good.

The Ask

As we ask you to support us and dig deep, we know we need to dig deep too. Therefore, this is driving me back to taking on three Marathons, the mammoth task of 26.2 x 3 = 78.6miles! If I am completely honest, I am apprehensive about the run ahead as I know the pain I am about to put myself through again.  However, I am passionate about supporting this necessary work that I know will be life-changing.

Please give whatever you can to help me reach my target and support our mission; you really will make a difference!

If you want to find out more about Taraki and their work you can check out their website on www.taraki.co.uk