Events
Upcoming Events
Cogwheel 5k Canter Running Festival 2019 Tuesday 31st December 11am
Cogwheel has launched a new running event for all ages, taking place on the morning of the last day of the current decade in the stunning park location of Jesus Green beside the River Cam. All proceeds will go to Cogwheel and our huge thanks to Cambridge Bid for their support in helping start this new event.
Suitable for all age groups and with all runs off road, this is a perfect event to get all the family involved. Runners can choose from the Cogwheel 5k Canter race, a 2k fun run and a 200m toddle mini sprint. Medals for all under 12s in the toddler and 2k events. All runners receive a specially designed medal in the 5k.
Full event information and online registration available at www.cogwheel5kcanter.co.uk.
Volunteer help on the day would really appreciated as we need a team of 35 helpers- please contact neil@cogwheel.org.uk if you can help
Strawberry Fair 2019
Cogwheel volunteers will be shaking buckets at the Strawberry Fair, do get in touch if you’d like to help.
Recent Events
Alun Lucas ran 2093 miles in a year and raised £2500 for Cogwheel!
Following his own mental health challenges and a chance meeting with someone who had lost a partner to suicide Alun took on a personal challenge of running 2019 miles from 1 February 2018 to 31 January 2019 and complete an ultra-endurance event every month.
He explains:
“Eighty four men in the UK take their own lives every week (https://www.projecteightyfour.com). On New Years Eve 2017, I met a gorgeous woman whose partner had committed suicide. She was intending to Run Every Day January for Mind. I joined in. At the end of January, I kept going – inspired to say ‘Thank You’ to all who have helped me with my mental health: my children, family, great friends and colleagues, a wonderful GP who ‘went the extra mile’ and referred me to the Cogwheel Trust – and in doing so helped save me – the counsellor at the Cogwheel Trust who repeatedly asked ‘Who are you?’, a special godfather and his wife, and the woman who inspired me to start this journey from which I have already gained so much. Thank you.”
Coop Donation 2018
In November we were thrilled to receive a cheque for £14,141 from the Coop 1% Fund.
It was great to join the celebrations in-store.
Bonfire Burn 10K 4th November 2018
We had a great day at this year’s Bonfire Burn. We were supported by 17 enthusiastic runners and had an outstanding cake stall which was much appreciated by many hungry people! All this yielded nearly £1,957 for Cogwheel. An amazing effort, thank you so much.
The Cogwheel Trust’s 30th Anniversary Celebration 20th July 2018
From Left: Esther McNeill, Cogwheel Head of Counselling; the Mayor of Cambridge, Cllr Nigel Gawthrope; the Lady Mayoress, Jenny Gawthrope; Jeremy Barnett, Cogwheel Chair of Trustees.
Dr Rowan Williams, Patron of Cogwheel and Master of Magdalene College
Mental ill health is estimated to cost the national economy 91 million lost working days each year, more than any other illness. Analysts estimate that this absence costs £8.4 billion each year, plus an additional £15.1 billion in reduced productivity. Cogwheel plays a significant role locally in helping people back to work and regain control and self-esteem in their lives.
See the Cambridge Independent article here: http://www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/1.5625843
Esther Mc Neill with Ray Bisby, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner
The Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Julie Spence drew the raffle with help from Jeremy Barnett
Wine was donated by local Co-op shops
Magdelene College Master’s garden
National Citizenship Service 2018
W
e were excited when a group of young people in Cambridge chose to fundraise for Cogwheel as part of their National Citizenship Service in July. They held a sponsored walk in blistering heat, organised a charity gig and sold cakes and lemonade, raising over £600 to date. What a team!
Bonfire Burn 10k: 5th November 2017
Nine energetic runners turned out on a very cold, sunny morning to run for Cogwheel. Supporters also made delicious cakes which were much appreciated by hungry runners after the race. The runners and bakers together have raised a magnificent £2010 for Cogwheel! Thank you everyone!
Histon Open Gardens: 11 June, 2017
A big thank you to all the volunteers who helped with our stall and one of the gardens on Sunday. It was a beautiful day and they had about 600 visitors!
Cogwheel has been selected as one of four charities that will receive proceeds from the 2017 Histon Open Gardens event on 11 June. Support us by visiting the beautiful gardens and enjoy refreshments, music and plant sales.
We’re looking for volunteers to help on the day. If you’d like to volunteer, email communityfundraiser
Cogwheel Sunday: 21 May, 2017
This new annual day follows Mental Health Awareness Week and aims to encourage local churches and other faith groups to think and about mental health and wellness and raise awareness of the services that are available. Here at Cogwheel we help people who are struggling with a whole range of issues by giving them a safe place to talk with a highly trained professional. People contribute only what they can afford, so we rely on donations and grants to help pay the bills.
If you would like your church to get involved, visit our Cogwheel Sunday page for a range of materials here which you might want to display or base a service around.
Joshua Reid ran It’s OK To Say It’s OK To Run For Mental Health: 14 May, 2017
Running for the Sawston Fun may not seem like a lot of miles to run for 4.6 miles (7.6 Km) when running with anxiety and depression it is battle I and others face every day.
I know a lot of people ignore mental health and may not spot the signs of someone suffering with mental health. I have realised that by talking to trained counsellor that it helps empty the mind and worries that I have faced in my life.
I know I have a battle on my hands but helping my mind is just one of those and I want others to help along the way. If you know someone that is affected by mental health suffering in silence there is help out there from charity’s.
So please help no matter how small the donation. I will be grateful that you are showing your awareness for mental health and supporting me to raise money for a charity that is helping me. Get back on my feet.
– Joshua Reid
Chariots of Fire Run
We had a great race on the day, and everyone ran well. We’re really grateful to the runners and also want to say a huge thank you to all the people who donated in support of our efforts.