Sheffield Varsity pledge support to Sheffield Mind and Roundabout

Sheffield Varsity proudly announce their official charity partners for Varsity 2019: Sheffield Mind and Roundabout.

The Sheffield Varsity series is the most anticipated homegrown sporting event in the university calendar and the biggest university sporting event in the city. Now in its 23rd year, Varsity has raised tens of thousands of pounds for the charities it has partnered with over the last two decades.

This year, two charities have been chosen by students from both Sheffield Hallam University and The University of Sheffield because of the critical work they do locally to support vulnerable people.

Sheffield Mind support people of all ages in Sheffield who are struggling with their mental health and are heavily involved in the city’s sporting scene, advocating the relevance of physical activity for mental wellbeing. Roundabout is Sheffield’s youth homeless charity. Daily, they provide shelter, support and life skills to more than 180 young people aged 16-24 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in the city. Students from both universities volunteer their time to support this charity, which amongst other things, helps vulnerable people access further education and employment. Sheffield Varsity believes the work both these charities do in Sheffield to be invaluable and are committed to raising awareness and funds in support of them this year.

Lindsay Doyle-Price, Business Development Manager at Sheffield Mind said, “We are delighted to have been chosen as one of the charity beneficiaries of this year’s Varsity and proud to be working with both universities and Students’ Unions. We are lucky to get a lot of support from students in the city who are keen to raise awareness of mental health issues. I think it’s great too that we are sharing this platform with Roundabout who do fantastic work in the city. We are dusting off the foam fingers and can’t wait to get involved!”

Roundabout’s Fundraiser, Emily Bush, added, “We were punching the air when we got the call through. If you’ve studied in Sheffield then you’ll LOVE Varsity. It’s a fantastic event to be part of and we really welcome working with students to connect with young people who find themselves in vulnerable situations and need support.”

Sheffield Varsity promotes pride, respect, fair play and the highest levels of sports conduct. It is a celebration of sport across two universities in one city and competitors and spectators alike are united by the Varsity Oath. From this platform students work with local charities to support those causes committed to creating real change in Sheffield. Sheffield Varsity supporters can get involved this year by helping raise awareness of the work both Sheffield Mind and Roundabout do in the city.

Thanks to the support of RAG (a committee of University of Sheffield students at Sheffield Students’ Union, that supports students to raise money in the local area), those wishing to donate directly to these charities can do so here.