1. Home
  2. The University
  3. Our Faculties
  4. Faculty of Science and Engineering
  5. School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
  6. Sport and Exercise Sciences
  7. Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine
  8. The Welsh Institute of Physical Activity, Health & Sport
  9. Institute of Physical Activity, Health & Sport Projects
  10. Physical Activity & Wellbeing
  11. An insight in the Evaluation of the BRIT Challenge

An insight in the Evaluation of the BRIT Challenge

BRIT Challenge logo

About the BRIT Challenge

BRIT is a charity organisation supported by high-profile sporting ambassadors which aims to raise awareness of, and funds, to enhance and destigmatise mental health in young adults students, and staff through the completion of an annual, collaborative challenge. Specifically, BRIT run an annual BRIT Challenge, and in 2023 the BRIT Challenge involved wellbeing activities including moving (in any form possible and in teams or as individuals) 2,023 miles between January 23rd and March 23rd, 2023. 

The BRIT Challenge has been participated in by over 450 Higher and Further Education Institutes across the UK and is supported by Universities UK, a collective of 140 UK university Vice Chancellors.

The BRIT Challenge aims to support young adult mental health, reduce isolation, and promote mental fitness by:

  • uniting the higher and further education sector through a UK-wide, inclusive BRIT Challenge;

  • delivering inspiration through the BRIT ambassadors;

  • facilitating and promoting fundraising by inviting teams to choose a second charity to raise funds for, alongside BRIT, to support local, regional, and national charities.

Project Overview

To better understand how the BRIT Challenge can support the mental health and wellbeing of university students and staff, WIPAHS aimed to conduct an evaluation of the 2023 BRIT Challenge. Initially, an online survey to gather the views and experiences of the BRIT Challenge participants was developed, however, due to circumstances beyond our control, this was not able to be conducted. As such, the angle of the research changed, and a new aim was developed to evaluate the implementation of the BRIT Challenge by conducting interviews with those who co-ordinated the BRIT Challenge at various Higher Education Institutions (HEI’s) across Wales.

Method

Research Questions

  1. What were the perceived barriers and facilitators of BRIT Challenge co-ordinators’ to implementing the BRIT Challenge at institutions in Wales?

  2. What were the recommendations for the implementation of future BRIT Challenges?

Data Collection

The study employed a qualitative design using semi-structured interviews (see Box 1) with BRIT Challenge co-ordinators. Specifically, BRIT Challenge co-ordinators were responsible for liaising with the BRIT Challenge Organiser to initiate, develop and implement the BRIT Challenge at their respective institutions. A total of three co-ordinators were interviewed from three different HEIs across Wales. Interviews were subsequently analysed to identify key themes.

Download the full report with findings and recommendations - The BRIT Challenge