THE WOODPECKER PROJECT
OUR VALUES
EDUCATE
TRAIN MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATES AROUND THE UK
EMPOWER
EMPOWER STRONG INDIVIDUALS THAT CAN GIVE BACK TO THEIR COMMUNITIES
ENCOURAGE
START CONVERSATIONS THAT COULD CHANGE OR SAVE LIVES
GET INVOLVED
There are various ways you can get involved with THE WOODPECKER PROJECT. Whether you are an individual wanting to challenge yourself, or a business looking to partner up with us, we would love to hear from you.
Get in touch on Instagram or email: info@thewoodpeckerproject.co.uk
ABOUT
The WOODPECKER PROJECT is a charity that encourages people to take on fitness challenges to realise their inner strength and raise awareness for mental health.
Through initiatives like “Burpee Up Ben Nevis” to 5K runs, we aim to promote open conversations around mental health in an engaging way.
Our key goals are to:
- EDUCATE individuals in Mental Health First Aid training
- EMPOWER people by demonstrating the benefits of exercise for mental well-being and showing how their courage can inspire others
- ENCOURAGE open dialogue around mental health by using our challenges as a natural conversation starter. When people ask “Why are you doing that challenge?” it’s an opportunity to share our mission and reduce stigma.
The WOODPECKER PROJECT uses fitness challenges to spark constructive discussions, train advocates, and spread the message that physical and mental strength go hand-in-hand.
FOUNDING TRUSTEES
CHARLES “WOODY” MEARS
OLYMPIAN – AMY WILSON HARDY
MAJOR OLIVER BULLEN
HOW THE CHARITY WORKS
We have huge ambitions and the only way to launch a charity that wants to support across the UK was to get people from all over the UK to take part and get talking. In January 2023, founder Charles Mears completed 31 air bike marathons with 31 people in 31 days, to launch THE WOODPECKER PROJECT. Since then we’ve taken part in multiple challenges and been lucky enough to have fundraisers like Jonathan Zeffert run 406 miles in a month leaving their comfort zone to get people talking.
COMPLETED CHALLENGES
MILE A DAY MARATHON CHALLENGE
February 2023
31 AIRBIKE MARATHONS
January 2023
BURPEE UP BEN NEVIS
June 2022