Fight the freeze to end homelessness
This year, the Stay Wild team will be getting involved in the Crisis Ice-breaker Challenge. Fighting the freeze and raising money to bring warmth to those facing homelessness this winter. It's a cause that we're passionate about supporting and we'd love for as many of you as possible to get involved too. Here’s why…
Right now, thousands of people at the sharp end of poverty are at risk of being pushed into homelessness. People are being forced into making unthinkable choices between eating, heating or keeping a roof over their head.
Every year Crisis at Christmas opens its doors to people who are homeless. Offering much needed warmth, healthcare, food and company. Everyone who comes to Crisis is a valued individual, treated with respect, listened to and cared for - and it’s the start of specialist support that lasts all year round. From skills training to help with employment, people get the support they need to leave homelessness behind and find a safe and secure home. And they’ll have someone standing by their side for as long as it takes.
What is the Ice-Breaker Challenge?
A wild-swim, dip in a lido or even bracing a cold shower. It's up to you how you face the freeze and help fundraise for Crisis. Each icy plunge and donation helps ensure that no one will have to face Winter alone this year!
You can get involved in an organised event, or grab your friends and create your own DIY Icebreaker - you choose the place and time. Anywhere you fancy between now and the end of January!
What are the benefits of a cold-water swim?
Cold-water swimming has so many incredible benefits, both mental and physical. But on top of the huge benefit your fundraising will do for the community, here are our favourite reasons to take the icy plunge:
It gives you a natural high!
Endorphins are the body’s natural pain killers and, in the case of a cold swim, it uses them to help take the sting away from your skin. This chemical is what the brain produces to make us feel good during activities. Wild swimming is also a form of exercise, and exercise has been proven to treat depression.
It boosts your immune system
There’s a reason why people who practice regular cold-water swimming rarely get sick. Research has shown that when people regularly swim in cold water, their white blood cell count increases significantly. This can help to boost your immune system and reduce your risk of some diseases and cancer.
Better skin and hair
Good circulation is essential for good hair and skin health. Cold water swimming causes blood to flow away from the skin’s surface towards the organs as a means of conserving body heat. This process in turn boosts circulation and flushes out waste and impurities, which in turn makes the skin smoother.
Increased metabolism
Swimming in cold water makes your body work harder to keep warm, which increases the number of calories you burn. The colder the water, the more energy your body will convert from fat to fire up your metabolism and keep your core temperature stable.
Sense of community
Another one of the most appealing benefits of cold-water swimming is the sense of community it brings. There is nothing that brings people together like facing a challenge and sharing the experience as a group.
