Combat Stress invite participants to choose a walking or running challenge that suits them, either individually or as part of a group or team.

Suggested options include:

• A one-off 10-mile (or longer) hike or run
• A longer commitment, such as aiming to cover 100 miles over the course of June
• For those looking for an extra something, you could add to your challenge by wearing a weighted vest

Distances and formats can be adapted to suit different abilities and circumstances, helping to ensure the challenge remains inclusive and accessible for everyone.

All UK-based employees are welcome to take part. You can participate individually or as part of a team, and people of all abilities are encouraged to get involved. This is intended to be a personal challenge completed in your own time; however, if you’re thinking of organising a group walk during or outside of work hours, please refer to the guidance below on setting up a group walk.

Teams can be formed informally with colleagues, simply pick your route, choose a date, and get your walking boots ready! Combat Stress want this to be easy and safe for people to organise so here are a few helpful things to consider:

1. Plan your route in advance and make sure it’s suitable and you feel comfortable leading it. Think about a meeting point, parking or transport to get there and any facilities on route such as toilettes or a spot for lunch!
   
   
2. Share clear meeting details and let participants know what they may need to bring or wear, such as food and drink, and appropriate footwear (e.g. walking boots if the terrain is challenging).
   
   
3. Keep a log of everyone taking part and ensure you get an emergency contact for each participant – just in case!
   
   
4. Set up a fundraising team – simply click on Register. Follow the steps to create an account, then choose the option to create a team page. You can invite others to join your team directly via email, or leave the team page ‘open’ and share the link so people can join in their own time.

This is intended to be a personal challenge completed in your own time. However, if you’re considering organising an event for your team during work hours, you’ll need to take a few additional steps:

1. Obtain permission from your line manager for the activity to take place during work time.
   
   
2. Flag to your local Community Investment Lead so they have awareness.
   
   
3. Speak with your local SHE team to complete a risk assessment for any activities carried out during working hours.

We have some great tips on how to find and plan an enjoyable and safe walk in the UK.

It's your event, so you can make it as challenging or relaxing as you want. Choose a route that suits you and your walkers, including as many stops or breaks as you need to have a great day out.

When planning a route there are several good resources you can make use of to find rights of way and well used routes.

Check out the following links:

• OS Maps
• Ramblers
• National Trails

When looking at locations for a walk, you will want to think about:

• What costs might be involved, for example parking?
• What facilities are available?
• How accessible/challenging is the route?
• What alternative routes are available?

Simply click on Register. Follow the steps to create an account and your fundraising page, then share it with friends and family. If you’re taking part with others or organising a group walk, you can also choose to set up a team page.

To find out how to create and manage a team, take a look at the guidance under ‘What do I need to do to set-up a team or group walk?’.

There is no official individual fundraising target for Boots on the ground, although your fundraising pages will show a total to allow progress to be displayed. We’d just love you to raise as much as you can.

The funds and awareness you raise will help us provide life-changing treatment and support to the veterans who turn to Combat Stress for help.

• Avoid sharing specific details of where you’ll be taking on your challenge (for example, regular routes, start/end points or nearby landmarks)
• Don’t advertise exact dates or times of your challenge in advance.
• Don’t live stream or share content that might give away your location.
• Always write in the first person (‘I’ rather than ‘we’ or ‘BAE Systems’) to show you’re speaking for yourself and not on behalf of the company.
• Always report any comments you’re concerned about to your people manager.
• Never disclose personal information such as your address, telephone number or security vetting status.
• Never post photos of people without their permission.
• Never share content from our Connect Hub or intranet on a social media channel.
• Never allow others to access your social media account and act on your behalf.

If you have any offline donations, you can pay the money into your account and then there are a number of ways you can pay your money to us: 

• Send a cheque made payable to “Combat Stress” to BAE Boots on the ground, Combat Stress, Tyrwhitt House, Oaklawn Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 0BX. Please don’t send cash through the post.
• To make a Bank Transfer straight into Combat Stress’ account or pay by phone please contact us on 01372 587 140 or email challenges@combatstress.org.uk 
  Our account details:
  Account number: 00100013
  Sort code: 60-00-01
  Reference: Your name/BAE

Yes, please visit the Combat Stress Shop if you wish to buy any of their branded gear for your challenge.

Progress can be tracked/logged through the this platform. 

To get started, log into your page, head to the profile dropdown at the top of the page and select ‘My Fitness Activity’ from the options. This will open a new window where you can choose how to record your activity. Either by manually adding it yourself or by connecting a fitness app.

If you prefer to log activity automatically, you can connect a compatible fitness tracking app such as Strava. Strava is free and easy to use, and you can also join our Team Combat Stress Strava group for added support and motivation.

Follow these steps to track your miles automatically:

1. Download the Fitbit, Strava or MapMyFitness app and set up your account
2. Log in to your Boots on the ground account, go to ‘My Fitness Activity’
3. Under the heading ‘Connect your preferred Fitness app’, click your chosen app.
4. Follow the prompts to connect your account.
5. When you next work out, select ‘start your workout’ in the app on your phone. Once you end your workout, save your workout - your distance will be published to the tally on your page the following day.

Your local Community Investment Lead will be able to offer support and guidance if you have any questions.