Take on the ice bucket challenge
The ice bucket challenge is back, and this time it’s all about mental health. Because mental health is everything, everyone, and everywhere.
How do I take part?
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Fill a bucket with (you guessed it) ice cold water.
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Self-record or get a friend ready to take a video.
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Say to the camera why you’re doing this for mental health. You can use our script below or write something yourself. The best way to do it is to make it personal and talk about what mental health means to you.
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Tip the bucket over your head!
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Post the video to social media (make sure you tag us @mindcharity so we see it!), and nominate 3 other people you know to take on the challenge.
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Make a donation to our JustGiving page, or donate £10 by texting ICEMIND to 70607
Your support could change lives
Your donation will make sure someone is there to answer the phone at our helplines. It’s going to write vital mental health information. It will power incredible campaigns to get a better deal on mental health care in England and Wales.
Mental health attitudes have started to go backwards in the past few years. By posting your video you’re pushing against that. You’ll be breaking down barriers when it comes to talking about mental health.
Your video could help spark conversations. It could inspire someone to open up about their own mental health for the first time. In a world where mental health really does mean everything to so many people, your support will mean everything to us too.
Looking after yourself
Please be careful when taking on this challenge. We're so grateful you're taking on the fight for mental health, but we want you to stay safe, healthy and happy while you do.
- Don’t take part in the challenge if you’ve got any underlying health problems like hypertension or cerebrovascular disease (including a past stroke).
- Don’t take part if you’ve got any heart conditions or respiratory issues. You can still participate by making it safe for yourself, like using something other than ice water (we've got some ideas below)
- Only take on the challenge once. Repeatedly exposing your body to ice cold water could be dangerous.
- Make sure that you take on the challenge on a non-slippery surface to avoid slips and falls.
- Be careful not to inhale water when you tip the bucket!
- Don’t feel peer pressured into doing the ice bucket challenge. If you don’t want to take part for any reason, that’s okay. This isn’t something you have to do.
- Likewise, if you’ve nominated someone who doesn’t want to take part, please respect their decision and don’t pressure them.
Looking after the environment
If you're concerned about the impact of this challenge on the planet, here are a few ideas:
- Try making ice out of used but safe water (like bath water).
- Collect the ice in a container once used. After it’s melted, use it to water houseplants or the garden.
- If you don't want to use water at all, get creative with what you tip over your head. What about socks (or unwashed socks for a bigger challenge), or grass from the lawnmower?
Make a donation
You're a hero! We're so grateful for your support, and we promise it'll make a huge difference for people with mental health problems.
What should I say in my video?
Say what mental health means to you, your friends, or your loved ones. If you're struggling with how to phrase this, here's an idea:
"I’m [name] and I’m taking on the ice bucket challenge for Mind."
"Mental health is more than just a small part of our lives. It’s connected to every little thing we do. Everywhere we go. Everyone we know. Mental health means everything to me because [say a little about what mental health means to you here].
"If mental health means something to you, then your support would mean everything to me. You can donate to Mind at www.mind.org.uk/icebucketchallenge
"I’m nominating [person 1], [person 2] and [person 3] to join the fight for mental health, take on the ice bucket challenge and make sure no mind is left behind."