A mindful walk from darkness into light through Christ Church Meadow to raise money for Oxford Samaritans
Ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week (Monday 12 May – Sunday 18 May) the Nuffield Department of Medicine (NDM) at Oxford University are organising a mindful 40-minute walk that starts in the darkness and finishes in the light.
Participants from Oxford University will be gathering at 4:30am on Saturday 10 May walking from The Saint Aldates Gate and finishing at Christ Church Meadow at 5:20am in time to meet the sunrise.
As a department within the University of Oxford, we wanted to organise a reflective sunrise walk in one of Oxford’s many natural spaces to signify that there is light after the darkness. By coming together as a community and in partnership with charities like the Samaritans, we can support those who are struggling with mental health issues and those impacted by suicide.
Elena McPhilbin, Director of Human Resources at NDM
Our students and staff – whether academic or in administrative roles – come from all walks of life, and live and work in Oxford and the region. We all struggle with mental health at some point in our lives. A walk like this provides an opportunity for us all to reflect and remember those who we have lost, and to take time to appreciate the beauty of nature and its positive impact on our mental health.
Bron Marguerie de Rotrou, Chief of Staff at NDM
The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week in 2025 is ‘Community’
Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone. Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense purpose.”
The Mental Health Foundation