UoB student creates #FITE2021 nationwide student-led fundraising initiative to raise money for mental health

David Dwek, a University of Birmingham student from Manchester, has launched a nationwide campaign, #FITE2021, in aid of Mind, a mental health charity.

David, the President of UoB’s Investment Society and a final year History and Spanish student, hopes that the campaign will raise £10,000 for Mind.

Those taking part plan to do this by walking, running or cycling a collective 10,000km.

There are 60 FITE (finance, investment, trading, and economics) societies across the country raising money for the charity that provide support and advice for anyone experiencing mental health problems.

David told The Birmingham Tab, “I am thrilled to be running #FITE2021 in aid of Mind. This is one of the toughest, yet most uplifting challenges of my life. To have unified the financial world, through the student population, university alumni, and financial professionals and firms, has been incredibly difficult. However, we’ve all banded together behind the cause – student mental health is at an all-time low, and we need to change that.”

He adds that “27% of students across the country have reported a mental health problem in the last year, and repeated national lockdowns have only exacerbated this. Students need to know that they’re not alone, and through #FITE2021 hopefully we’ll be able to secure the support they need!”

One in four people in the UK experience mental health problems and the money raised will fund their vital work, including the Mind Infoline, advice services and campaigning.

You do not need to be a university student to take part in #FITE2021 and it is taking place in the first two weeks of March.

To learn more please visit https://www.fite2021.com and to donate please visit https://www.justgiving.com/team/fite2021.

Mind, the mental health charity, provide advice and support to support anyone experiencing a mental health problem. The campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

For more information about Mind visit their website www.mind.org.uk or call their confidential support line, Mind Infoline, on 0300 123 3393 (lines open 9am – 6pm, Monday – Friday).

Other stories recommended by this writer:

• The top ten things UoB students can do to stay motivated this semester

• I built a LEGO Old Joe and it was as chaotic as expected

• Seven things UoB students should take up for Lent