Take on a sponsored challenge and help build the UK’s first women-only detox centre
This January, we’re inviting people across the UK to take on a personal challenge and get sponsored to support The Elms, the UK’s first women-only detox centre.
Your challenge can be big or small, physical or personal. What matters is taking part in a way that works for you and helps create a safe, specialist space for women when it matters most.
Why The Elms matters
Right now, there are no detox centres in the UK designed specifically for women.
Many women face barriers to accessing detox safely, including trauma, domestic abuse, stigma and caregiving responsibilities. Mixed-gender settings aren’t right for everyone, and too often women delay or avoid treatment as a result.
The Elms will change this.
We’ve secured a building and, with your support, we’re transforming it into a calm, trauma-informed detox centre designed with and for women. The Elms will provide specialist medical care, psychologically informed support and an environment shaped around dignity, safety and respect.
What is the January Challenge?
The January Challenge is a simple way to support The Elms through sponsored activity.
You choose a challenge to take on during January.
Friends, family or colleagues sponsor you.
The money you raise helps bring The Elms to life.
Your challenge could be:
- Dry January
- Running, walking or swimming
- A wellbeing commitment like yoga, meditation or journalling
- A creative or lifestyle challenge
- A team or workplace challenge
There’s no minimum fundraising target and no “right” challenge, just choose something that feels achievable and meaningful to you.
How to take part
1. Choose your challenge
Pick something that fits your life, interests and energy. It can be personal, practical, creative or physical.
Everything you need to take part. From choosing a challenge to setting up a fundraising page, plus optional templates and FAQs.
3. Set up your fundraising page
Once you’ve downloaded the toolkit, you’ll be guided through creating your fundraising page and sharing your challenge.
4. Complete your challenge through January
Take on your challenge in a way that feels right for you.
How your support helps
Funds raised through the January Challenge will help:
- refurbish and equip the building
- create trauma-informed indoor and outdoor spaces
- fund specialist medical and psychological care
- ensure The Elms reflects what women have told us they need
Every challenge contributes to creating a space built on safety and care.
Download the January Challenge toolkit
Ready to find out more or thinking about taking part?
Complete the form below to download the toolkit and get everything you need to get started.
There’s no obligation. Downloading the toolkit is simply a first step to explore what feels right for you.
Download the January Challenge toolkit.
Every contribution creates change.
Be part of this change.
We’re creating a safe, supportive, and nurturing space designed specifically for women, where they can focus on their wellbeing without fear of judgment.
Jane Simons, Clinical Director and Clinical Lead