On Saturday 17 December stem4 were delighted to be the nominated charity at the annual 5K ‘Santa Parkrun’ in Wimbledon Common on Saturday 17th December.

There were 426 runners in a variety of Christmas costumes – several Santas, reindeer and even a complete Christmas tree. Steve Hammond the local MP was there to wish the runners a Happy Christmas and to introduce stem4 as one of the local charities the run was supporting.

Pictured are Dr Nihara Krause CEO, Founder and Consultant Clinical Psychologist, stem4, is local MP for Wimbledon Steve Hammond, together with Charles Laurie, the Director of the Wimbledon Parkrun in his Santa outfit.

The funds raised at the event are to be allocated towards enabling stem4 to expand services offered to schools and make available crucial information and guidance to a new population of local young people.

Given the positive benefits of exercise on enhancing mental wellbeing, stem4 is particularly delighted to be nominated by the Parkrun Wimbledon.

Since its creation in June 2011 stem4 has gone from strength to strength, culminating in the receipt of several Merton Business Awards for its commitment to the Community as well as the prestigious Positive Practice Award 2016 awarded by the NHS collaborative.

The aims of stem4 are to improve teenage mental health by encouraging early detection and education about issues such as eating disorders, self-harm, anxiety, depression and addition.

Since inception 5 years ago, stem4 has worked with over 100 schools, reaching over 9000 young people, parents and carers through workshops, conferences and a comprehensive website. www.stem4.org.uk

Based on information supplied by Juliette Hellman.