#GetOutForShout: fundraiser Cassie’s story

After texting Shout for support, 24-year-old Campaigns Officer Cassie took part in our ‘360,000 Steps in September’ Facebook fundraising challenge. In her words, she took part to raise vital funds to help us “continue doing [our] amazing and lifesaving work”.

We caught up with Cassie to find out more.

What motivated you to fundraise for Shout?

I’ve suffered from anxiety and depression for the last 10 years and, after finding treatment that worked for me, felt that I had reached a steady point in my journey. But in the summer of 2021, my mental health deteriorated and I went into a crisis. The floor fell from underneath me and I hit a new rock bottom.⁣⁣

When I was at my lowest point, I texted Shout 85258 quite a few times. Shout’s volunteers were incredible and I cannot overestimate how much I appreciate the help and support they gave me when the world felt impossible. ⁣⁣

I decided to walk 360,000 steps in September to raise money for Shout to help them continue doing their amazing and life saving work.

Did you find the challenge beneficial for your own mental health?

My mental health ebbed and flowed throughout the month but having the challenge to focus on gave me a purpose. I created an Instagram Reel everyday of my walks which was a great project. I loved going outside and found the increasing joy from walking helped both my mental and physical health. I surpassed every expectation I had of myself before the challenge began.

What were your highlights?

My highlights of the month were walking five miles in Dunwich Heath, dancing the steps away with my friends, creating daily Reels, listening to two new podcasts and connecting with all the amazing people on the Shout Facebook group.

What would be your one piece of advice to help others make the most of their fundraising challenge for Shout?

My advice would be to set aside your judgments of yourself and what you can and cannot do. My mental and chronic illnesses meant that exercise and sports have always felt inaccessible to me and something that I couldn’t achieve. Before I began the challenge, 360,000 steps felt like an almost insurmountable task. I set aside the bigger picture and focussed on walking 12,000 steps a day. Slowly the numbers added up more and more and I hit the target two days early!