Cygnet’s Ice Bucket Challenge for Mind and Redcar RNLI

We have always been passionate about contributing to the community in a positive way. After what has been an extremely tough year for many, it felt right for our solicitors from all departments to get together and do something special to raise money for charities in need. After discussing plenty of ideas, we decided that we would take on our own Ice Bucket Challenge and raise money for Redcar & Cleveland Mind and Redcar RNLI. The total raised so far is a fabulous £563!

The Challenge

In the past, our family and conveyancing solicitors have taken on the North Sea Dip. However, this wasn’t feasible this year due to the lockdown restrictions. We know this kind of challenge always requires real bravery from those involved and is never pleasant – especially at this time of year – so we kept with a similar theme and settled on the Ice Bucket Challenge.

Over the course of seven days starting on 27th November, our team members each faced the challenge. Whilst they all did extremely well, it’s safe to say it was absolutely freezing!

Why We Chose Redcar & Cleveland Mind

As a law firm with teams ranging from mental health solicitors to divorce solicitors, we regularly see first hand how mental health has an impact on our clients’ lives. It is therefore so important to us that the people who need advice and support for their mental health have access to it.

The statistics surrounding mental health are really quite concerning. These include:

• 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England
• 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (such as anxiety or depression) in any given week in England
• 1 in 5 people have suicidal thoughts
• 1 in 14 people self harm
• 1 in 15 people attempt suicide
• Women are more likely to have suicidal thoughts and make suicide attempts than men
• However, men are three times more likely to take their own life than women

These numbers really are startling and it’s devastating to think so many people in our society are facing their own personal battles. We hope that by raising funds and awareness for this mental health charity, we can help people in our local area to find the help they need.

It has been widely reported that mental health issues have increased throughout the course of the pandemic. As we approach winter and are in the midst of a second national lockdown, the work carried out by Mind is more prevalent than ever.

Why We Chose Redcar RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution)

Redcar RNLI has been a staple of our local community for years. It is actually one of the oldest lifeboat stations across all the British Isles, having been established in 1802. Over the years, the volunteers at the station have helped so many people in need through their fantastic services. This is why we selected them as one of our charities in this fundraising challenge.

The work of the RNLI is truly admirable. Their volunteers work around the clock to offer a 24-hour rescue service for those in need at sea. They also have seasonal lifeguard teams and flood rescue teams.

Across the country, lifeboat crews are busier than ever and the risks they face are extreme. We wanted to show our love and respect for this vital service which requires support from the community, especially throughout the pandemic.

How You Can Support Us

It’s been a hard old week for our family law and conveyancing solicitors, and we would absolutely love to reach our goal of raising £1,000 for these very worthy causes. They give so much to the local community with their services and we are thrilled to be able to give something back to them.

If you’d like to support our teams of conveyancing and family law solicitors and sponsor them for the challenge, you can do so through JustGiving here. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us. It really does mean the world.

Want to find out more about Cygnet? Get in touch with our team.