Are you up for the ZSA Step into Summer challenge?
Are you ready to embrace the beauty of summer while making a positive impact? Lace up your walking shoes and join us for a 30-day challenge that supports wellbeing and helps raise money to help more people with free suicide awareness training.
The best part? The challenge is your own and is open to all abilities and fitness levels: you can choose your own distance or one from the options we’ve suggested below – plus, you can get started at any point during the summer season.
Whilst our Step into Summer challenge offers great enjoyment for individuals, it's also fantastic for teams, community groups and workplaces. Get involved and achieve something wonderful together and support suicide awareness and prevention.
Register today to receive your free Step into Summer Fundraising Pack which includes social media assets, challenge tracker, fundraising tips and a couple of downloadable scavenger hunts.
Interested? Choose your challenge…
No distance is too short or too long when it comes to supporting a cause. When selecting a walk, it's crucial to consider your own fitness level and abilities. Choose a distance that presents a challenge, enough to raise funds effectively, yet manageable enough to complete without excessive strain. We want you to enjoy your challenge and the health benefits gained from walking.
Step into Summer has something for everyone. Use one of the suggestions below or choose your own distance
Choose your challenge
Little Steps Challenge
The perfect choice for those who can manage shorter distances or who want to build up to a greater distance. Our Little Steps Challenge invites participants to walk 20km over a 30-day period. This equates to around 600 metres per day or just under 5km per week (4.6km).
1K a Day Challenge
Keep it simple and aim for 1 km a day! That's 7km per week, or 30k in 30 days.
LEVEL UP Challenges
Want something a little more? How about stepping it up?
- Level 1 - Step into Summer (50km) - walk 50km (approximately 31.07 miles) in 30 days, which is approximately 1.67 kilometres per day.
- Level 2 - Step it up (100km) - walk 100km (approximately 62.14 miles) in 30 days – which is approximately 3.33 km per day.
- Level 3 - One Step Beyond (150km) - walk 150 km (approximately 93.21 miles) in 30 days –which is approximately 5 km per day.
Choose your own distance
Step into Summer at your own pace by setting your own distance. Your challenge, your way!
Next steps...
1. Register your fundraiser: If you'd like to join us for Step into Summer 2024, all you need to do is register your fundraiser throughout the summer season (20 June to 22 September 2024.)
2. Set your goal: Decide on your walking distance goal for the 30-day challenge. Whether you're aiming for a stroll each day, a longer-distance hike on the weekends, or a mix of both, the choice is yours.
3. Start walking! Begin your walking challenge whenever you're ready. It’s a great opportunity to discover new places in the area you live – or why not head out of town for a totally new adventure? We’d love to see photos of where you get to so please share them with us by tagging us on social media
4. Track your progress: Keep track of your daily steps using a fitness tracker or smartphone app such as Strava, which is free to download. Watch as your progress accumulates over the 30 days and share your progress.
5. Share your journey: Share your Step into Summer challenge on social media using the following hashtags: #MoveItForZSA #StepIntoSummer2024 and #MakeItZSA
6. Raise funds for ZSA: As you embark on your walking journey, invite friends, family, and colleagues to support you by making donations or sponsoring your steps. All funds raised will directly support the work of the Zero Suicide Alliance.
7. Celebrate your achievements! Upon completing the 30-day challenge, it's time to celebrate! Congratulations for reaching your target and thank you for support suicide awareness and prevention.
How much does it cost to participate? It doesn't cost a thing - participating in Step into Summer is completely FREE - this is your fundraiser and you can set this up to suit you. We just ask you to register your fundraiser with us so we can provide support and materials for your fundraising journey.
Is there a fundraising target for the challenge? We encourage you to raise as much as you can to support people across our communities and so we ask for you to pledge to raise a minimum of £50 to support our work - however, should you not be able to meet this, it is not a requirement to take part and you can set your own fundraising target.
Where and how do I complete my chosen distance? Step into Summer is flexible and allows you to complete your distance anywhere and any way you choose. Just choose your starting date before the end of summer (22 September 2024) and keep a record of your distances.
How do I track my progress? You can track your progress using a fitness tracker or smartphone app such as Strava which is free to download and use, and allows you to track your activity and share your achievements.
How long does the challenge run for? Step into Summer runs for the whole of the summer season (20 June to 22 September 2024).
Keeping safe during your challenge: Throughout your challenge it's important to prioritise your safety and consider your fitness levels and ability when choosing a walking challenge. If you’re walking alone, it’s always a good idea to carry a charged phone and make someone aware of your location. Rest days may also be important – so factor these in if necessary, and remember to keep yourself hydrated, especially if we’re blessed with some warmer spring weather.
The Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA) is hosted by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust and funded via Mersey Cares NHS Charity (registration number 1191576)