JUST DROP-IN Staircase Challenge: You Walk, So We Can Talk

Stuck at home? Step up for Just Drop-In with the Staircase Challenge!

Youth support charity, Just Drop-In is challenging Maxonians to ‘climb’ a local landmark during the Coronoavirus lockdown by doing the equivalent distance on their own stairs.  Manager Ann Wright, who came up with the idea, said “Life can be an uphill struggle for young people, so we’re asking YOU to walk so WE can TALK”.

The Covid 19 lockdown has hit some young people hard – particularly those already suffering with anxiety or mental health problems.  Jobs have been lost, exams cancelled, support networks fractured, futures disrupted. Those living alone or trapped in toxic relationships have fewer safety valves than ever. 

Since the Government announced movement restrictions, Just Drop-In has switched to offering online and telephone counselling, but some services for young adults are under threat.  Funding for most of our work is secure, but counselling for 18-25year olds is mainly paid for by fundraising events and sponsored challenges. Those activities have all stopped. We’re expecting a 20% fall in income, money which would have funded emotional support this age group. 

The charity, which was set up 20 years ago, is asking the public to help them plug this financial gap by raising £30 (for one session of counselling), £60 (for two sessions) or even £360 (for a course of 12). Supporters are encouraged to ask friends and family to sponsor them to ‘climb’ one of our local peaks before 31^st May:

Shuttlingsloe, 506m (664 steps or 50 flights); Tegg’s Nose, 380m (500 steps or 38 flights); Bosley Cloud,343m (450 steps or 35 flights); and/or White Nancy, 280m (367 steps or 28 flights). 

Participants can track their progress on social media, post photos or even livestream the climb using the hashtag #staircasechallenge and linking to Just Drop: Instagram: Just_drop_in   Facebook: /JustDropin  Twitter: @JDIMacc

There’s a certificate for those who complete challenge – or maybe do all four peaks!    

Ann Wright added: ” The people of Macclesfield have been brilliant supporters of our work with young people.  We recognise the situation is very hard for many, but we hope some people will have the time and resources to get involved. Taking part in this challenge will not only help young adults but also support their own well-being”.

Visit the Just Drop-In Staircase Challenge page to find out more about how to get involved and make a donation http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/JDIstaircasechallenge or contact hello@justdropin.org.uk