This summer is all about finding simple ways to move more, connect with others, try something new and prioritise wellbeing.
Many of you may have seen our Thrive in 30 campaign and wondered what it’s all about. The idea is simple: choose a challenge that works for you, commit to it for 30 days or link it to the number 30, and use it as an opportunity to support your wellbeing while raising funds for JIGSAW Thornbury.
There is no right or wrong way to take part. Your challenge can be active, creative, mindful or completely unique – the most important thing is that it helps you thrive.
Research consistently shows that spending time outdoors, being physically active and connecting with others can have a positive impact on wellbeing. Thrive in 30 encourages these simple habits in a way that fits into everyday life.
We currently have three very different but equally inspiring challenges running this summer:
1. Celebrating 70 Years of Being Brilliant!
This November, Heather is celebrating her 70th birthday by taking on her own Thrive in 30 challenge. As a grandparent of one of our young members, she has seen first-hand the positive impact of JIGSAW.
Her goal is 30 opportunities to thrive, including 30 ten-thousand-step walks or 30-minute badminton sessions with friends. By marking a milestone birthday in this way, she is showing that age is no barrier to staying active and giving back.
As I approach my 70th birthday this November, I wanted to set myself a challenge that celebrates staying active while giving something back to a charity that’s incredibly close to my family’s heart.
2. A Summer of Colour and Connection
Members of our Creative Wellbeing Group are taking on a Summer Colour Challenge.
Each person has chosen a colour and will capture moments over the summer that reflect joy and wellbeing. Even while the group is not meeting in person, they will stay connected by sharing their experiences and encouraging one another.
At the end of the summer, their photographs will come together in a collaborative collage celebrating creativity, connection and positivity.
3. 30 Kilometres, Six Locations, One Goal
One of our young members, Jack, is taking on a challenge alongside his dad running 30 kilometres over 6 Park Runs in 6 different locations, finishing up at Thornbury with his JIGSAW friends!
Inspired by his involvement in our Youth Entrepreneur Project and mentoring sessions, he chose this challenge to build confidence, resilience and real-world skills, while pushing himself physically and mentally.
I am taking on the Thrive in 30 Challenge to raise money for JIGSAW Thornbury who have given me opportunities to meet others, build confidence and have fun enjoying interesting events and activities.
Small Steps, Big Achievements
The power of setting small, achievable goals has been highlighted through the NHS focus on encouraging people to build more movement into their everyday lives, with rewards and incentives helping people stay motivated along the way.
This reflects the idea behind Thrive in 30, that creating a personal goal, celebrating progress and finding something that works for you can help build positive habits and support wellbeing.
One of our young members has already completed his own Thrive in 30 challenge by taking on 30 walks. His challenge took him to new places, helped him build confidence and even supported his training for the Tough Mudder challenge that he is taking on in August.
Sharing his experience, he said:
I beat the CEO and you can too! I managed to get a friend out walking once or twice! My favourite walk was reaching the peak of Pen Y Fan and seeing the surrounding mountains. Walking was good training for the Tough Mudder.
Your Summer Thrive in 30 Inspiration
Looking for ideas for your own challenge? We’ve created two free resources to help you get started:
These are packed with simple, accessible ideas to help you stay active, explore your local area and support your wellbeing throughout the summer.
Whether you choose 30 acts of kindness, 30 walks, 30 new experiences or something entirely your own, the aim is to make it achievable, enjoyable and meaningful.
Why Thrive in 30 Matters
Fundraising is a vital part of our work, and we are hugely grateful to everyone who supports us. In a challenging financial climate, initiatives like Thrive in 30 are more important than ever, offering a simple and accessible way to build positive habits while raising vital funds for children and young people with additional needs or disabilities and their families. Every challenge, donation and act of support helps us continue making a real difference in our community.
Ready to Take on Your Own Challenge?
Whether you want to walk, read, learn a new skill, spend less time on screens, get active, get creative or try something completely new, we’d love to hear from you.
You can register your Thrive in 30 challenge and download your fundraising pack quickly and easily online. If you’d prefer a paper vision or have any other accessibility needs please call us, or email fundraising@jigsawthornbury.org.uk.
Written by Bonnie, JIGSAW Fundraising and Community Participation Lead