Ireland's Mental Health Charity Launches 'Move It' Campaign for October

Mental Health Ireland is calling on workplaces, schools, sports clubs and communities across the country to get moving this October, dedicating up to 60 minutes of physical activity to raise vital funds during Mental Health Month.

The longest established national mental health charity in Ireland has launched its 'Move It for Mental Health Month' campaign, encouraging people to dance, stretch, run, swim or walk their way to supporting free mental health resources and education programmes nationwide.

The initiative coincides with Mental Health Month throughout October 2025, with 10 October marking World Mental Health Day. Participants can choose their preferred way to get involved, whether through workplace challenges, community groups, sports clubs or individual efforts.

The fundraising process is straightforward: supporters create a fundraising page on iDonate, complete their chosen movement activity any day in October, and help raise money for Mental Health Ireland's community programmes. The charity provides free information, resources and education across Ireland, depending entirely on public generosity to fund its work.

Catherina McKiernan, Irish Olympian and marathon record holder:

"Living a healthy and active lifestyle is one of the most powerful choices you can make to improve your overall wellbeing. Regular physical activity not only strengthens your body, but it also boosts your mood, reduces stress, and enhances your quality of life. This is why I'm supporting Mental Health Ireland's Move It fundraiser. The key is to find activities you enjoy, and know when you take care of your healthy, you're investing in a better, more vibrant future."

The campaign forms part of Mental Health Ireland's broader Mental Health Month programme, featuring events, activities and workshops designed to make mental health and wellbeing a national priority throughout October.

Jo Donohoe, Programmes Manager with Mental Health Ireland:

"As a charity we depend on the generosity of people. This generosity helps us to widen our impact by providing more training and information to communities and run more programmes for people with mental health challenges. The Move It campaign will help us to raise vital money, encourage people to get active and connect with others therefore supporting their mental health. It's a win win!"

Mental Health Ireland supports a network of regional Mental Health Associations and volunteers delivering community-based initiatives. The organisation runs campaigns including Hello, How Are You? and develops projects like Thrive and Woodlands for Health to help communities enhance and protect their mental health.

Participants can set up their fundraising page at https://idonate.ie/event/MoveItforMentalHealthMonth, with full campaign details available at mentalhealthireland.ie/campaign/mental-health-month.