Mental Elf festive fun run is back for 2026!
North Staffs and Cheshire Mind’s annual Mental Elf Festive fun run, our timed 5K fun run is returning to Trentham Gardens on Sunday, 6 December 2026.
Pop on your fancy dress, lace up your trainers and join hundreds of elves at Trentham Gardens for a fabulous festive afternoon of fun, community spirit and fundraising for better mental health across North Staffordshire and Cheshire.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner, prefer a stroll around the park, or want to bring the whole family along, our Mental Elf festive fun run is for everyone.
Event details
Date: Sunday, 6 December 2026
Time: 1:00pm
Location: Trentham Gardens, Staffordshire
Distance: 5km scenic route – walk or run at your pace – accessible for all
More than just a run
The Mental Elf festive fun run brings our local community together to have fun, get active, and support local mental health services.
Why take part in the Mental Elf festive fun run?
By taking part, you’ll be getting active, meeting other people, enjoying some festive fun and helping to raise vital funds for North Staffs and Cheshire Mind.
Every ticket, donation and pound raised helps us continue supporting people across North Staffordshire and Cheshire with their mental health and wellbeing.
And the best part? It’s up to you how you take part…
Run it. Walk it. Bring the family. Dress as an elf. However you choose to participate, come along and join in the joy.
Can we beat £34,000?
In 2025, our fantastic Mental Elf community raised an incredible £34,000 for North Staffs and Cheshire Mind.
This year, we want to make even more impact!
By fundraising alongside your Mental Elf festive fun run challenge, you’ll be helping us raise even more money to support better mental health across North Staffordshire and Cheshire.
Every penny makes a difference, and when hundreds of elves unite, those pennies can add up to something truly magical.
Raise £100 on JustGiving, and you’ll receive a North Staffs and Cheshire Mind T-shirt.
How to get involved
- Register: Sign up here!
- Fundraise: Set a goal, get friends, family, or colleagues involved, and help change lives.
- Take part: Enjoy the event, celebrate your achievements, and support mental health in your community.
Your support helps local people
At North Staffs and Cheshire Mind, your support funds vital services across North Staffordshire and Cheshire.
Support for adults
One-to-one counselling
BACP-accredited sessions face-to-face, online, or by phone.
Support groups
Free, professionally facilitated groups for social support and coping strategies.
Supported housing
Helping those with mental health needs live independently.
Online webchat
Confidential online instant messaging service, available 3 evenings per week.
Support for children and young people
Schools Programme
One-to-one counselling, staff support, and resilience workshops.
Maccas Project
Peer support, mindfulness, social activities, and early intervention for children and young people aged 5–18.
Workplace Wellbeing
Employee counselling, training, and corporate engagement opportunities.
Every pound can make a difference
Here are just a few examples of what your fundraising could help support
£12provides a webchat session |
£20funds a free counselling consultation |
£50funds a support group |
£100funds half a day of mental health workshops in a school |
Make your miles matter this festive season
Join the Mental Elf fun run and help support North Staffs and Cheshire Mind.