This year, Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) hosted Health in Mind at Riddle’s Court for a 5-month charitable event series: The Winter Wellbeing Challenge.
This series saw people who live and work in Edinburgh taking part in various activities over the winter months in a historic environment.
Winter can be a difficult time for everyone, with limited sunlight and frosty weather, we lose so many options for post-work activities. The goal of the Winter Wellbeing Challenge was to provide different, affordable activities that anyone could attend each month. In addition to the attendees gaining an opportunity to try an activity they may never have tried before, it was a chance to meet new people and socialise.
The challenge took place in Riddle’s Court, a Category A-listed merchant’s tenement situated on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Built in the 16th century, Riddle’s Court is filled with history and boasts an impressive interior. The building was restored by SHBT in a conservation and regeneration project, finishing in 2017. Now Riddle’s Court is a stunning events space hosting anything from lectures to weddings.
What does Scottish Historic Buildings Trust do?
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust plays a unique role in preserving and promoting the nation’s heritage. The Trust collaborates with local communities and specialists to preserve significant buildings at risk in Scotland. With a small team and no public funding, we have already restored over 30 significant historic buildings at risk across Scotland and raised in excess of £30 million.
Our team has specialist skills in historic building preservation, fundraising, project management and property management. We also bring expertise in event management, building interpretation and in delivering educational programmes.
Winter Wellbeing Challenge
Being a charitable organisation that works so closely with the community, this event series felt fitting as a way for SHBT to support locals during a time that can be so challenging for many.
It was important for us to execute the Winter Wellbeing Challenge correctly. We were keen to ensure that we provided ample opportunity for participants to learn new ways to look after their mental health over winter.
Health in Mind was an obvious choice for us to partner with. Their values, which highlight inclusivity and compassion, are perfectly linked to the style of events that we were planning. Partnering with a local charity was also important in relation to the community focus of the challenge. After reading about the impact that Health in Mind has had in the community for over 40 years, we were delighted at the prospect of supporting such an important cause.
The team at Health in Mind were a dream to work alongside. Lynne Stanford, Health in Mind’s Income Generation Manager, went out of her way to assist in any way possible during the challenge. Between planning and attending each event, her help was more than we could have asked for.
Removing the stigma around mental health
Mental health concerns are something that people of all ages and backgrounds can experience. Removing the stigma or any societal expectations of mental health concerns is an important first step. Nowadays, with people spending so much time behind screens, it’s all too easy to lose a sense of comfort with in-person social interaction – something that can be so helpful in building a healthy mind.
In my personal experience, I notice the contrast in how I feel after spending a week with limited social interaction, compared to a week when I’ve had the chance to spend time with family and friends. The same goes for being active, not necessarily physical exercise, just keeping my mind active makes all the difference. When we created the Winter Wellbeing Challenge, I was keen for social interaction and mental stimulation to be focal points as I have personally experienced the benefits of both.
We at SHBT would like to thank everyone who made the Winter Wellbeing Challenge 2025/26 possible:
- Alexandra Black at Tidal Yoga
- Garry Mullen, the Roaming Quizman
- Jenny Laahs
- Scotts Kitchen
- The Burnt Chef Project
- And of course, Lynne Stanford and the entire Health in Mind charity!
Do something incredible in your workplace
Whether it’s organising some team building for colleagues, or doing something different for customers, fundraising can be a great way to do something new and raise funds and awareness for mental health at the same time.
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