The 2026 BRIT Challenge will start on
26th January 2026 & will finish on 26th December 2026
Over 530 university and college teams have taken on our annual BRIT Challenges. Our aspiration is for every UK university, college, and specialist college, to enter a team in the BRIT Challenge.
HOW TO TAKE PART
STEP 1
Bring together your BRIT Challenge Coordination Group and decide on your desired outcomes (Mental Health Charter, Disabled Student Commitment, Staff Wellbeing and Student Enrichment).
One of the best ways to embrace the BRIT Challenge and bring your whole university or college together is to appoint a BRIT Challenge Coordination Group.
Coordination Groups, used by many universities and colleges on our previous BRIT Challenges, ensure that students and staff are integral to organising their event, key individuals and departments bring resources to support their students, and there is engagement across the whole institution to promote student and staff participation.
The most successful results have been when a BRIT Challenge Coordination Group includes:
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Students' Union Presidents or Vice-Presidents
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University or College Leadership Team Representatives
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University or College Student Engagement Coordinators
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The Director of Wellbeing/Student Services
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The Director of Sport
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The Director of Communications
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Disabled Student Services and students with disabilities
To help Team Coordinators pre-BRIT Challenge, our Founder, Phil, is also offering to join students and staff on Teams/Zoom to share some of the great ideas that universities and colleges have used to make their BRIT Challenges a success.
Our aspiration is for students at every UK university, college, specialist college and Students' Union to know they can be part of our vision to improve and support young adult mental health in the UK by participating in the annual BRIT Challenge.
We know this is an extraordinarily challenging time for everyone and therefore appreciate all your support to raise vital funds for local, regional and national charities, alongside BRIT.
THANK YOU FOR UNITING WITH US
Education Training Collective
“After the BRIT Founder, Phil Packer, met with our colleagues, we were inspired to register all five of our sites, Stockton Riverside College, Redcar and Cleveland College, Bede Sixth Form College, NETA Training and The Skills Academy. We are extremely proud to partner with an organisation whose vision is to support and improve young adult, student and staff mental health, fitness and wellbeing throughout the UK.
Students and staff are looking forward to participating in sport, quizzes, health workshops and resilience-based sessions to name a few, whilst senior management teams are taking on a step challenge and are competing against each other.
We have launched our campaign with a short, but impactful, mental health awareness film to highlight the struggles we all face.
Together, we can help destigmatise mental health and improve the lives of others”.
Declan Paice
Group Wellbeing Coach
Liverpool John Moores University
“Liverpool John Moores University were delighted to host the BRIT Founder, Phil Packer, and introduce him to our Board of Governors, Student Union President, students and staff as part of the BRIT 5-month tour of the UK.
We entered a team and championed the challenge in the City of Liverpool and North West to encourage other universities and colleges to take part.
Our university will encourage all of our students to take part in the BRIT Challenge, be that on campus or at home, to both improve their mental health and raise vital funds for BRIT’s partner mental health charities.”
Professor Ian G Campbell
Former Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive
University of Bradford
“The University of Bradford was delighted to host the visit of BRIT founder, Phil Packer. As BRIT’s Challenges aspire to improve student, and staff, mental health and raise vital funds for charity, it is critical that the University of Bradford adopted a whole university approach and involved our students in the decision making and coordination from the outset. The BRIT Challenges fit really well with our ethos as a University.
Our Student Union Sabbatical Officers and Project Coordinators met with me and my Executive Team, Sports Centre Manager and Director of Student, Academic and Information Services to work together as Team Bradford. This ensured our students had the support of the university’s media, comms and sport facility resources to raise awareness of the challenge, increase student participation and make our fundraising efforts a success.”
Professor Shirley Congdon
Vice-Chancellor
Falmouth University
“When Falmouth University hosted the BRIT Challenge and met the BRIT Founder, Phil Packer MBE, we brought together a Coordination Group that comprised of key individuals who represented our students, staff and the departments who would allocate resources to promote the Challenge and make it a success.
Our Coordination Group included myself, representing our Leadership Team, and our Director of Student and Academic Services, the Falmouth University Students’ Union President, and our Head of Sports and Nursery Services.
By bringing together a Coordination Group, Falmouth University can promote the opportunity for all students and staff to take part on campus, or at home, to both improve their mental health and raise vital funds for BRIT’s partner mental health charities.”
Dr Robin Kirby
Former Strategic Advisor to the Vice-Chancellor & Secretary to the Board of Governors
LET THE YEAR GUIDE YOUR TARGETS
In 2026, this could be 2600 students and 2600 staff participating in 26 inclusive wellbeing activities over 26 days starting on University Mental Health Day, a 2600 or 26,000 volunteer hours target and a 26 Acts of Kindness in the Community target with 26 courses/departments/clubs and societies choosing their community project throughout the year. A fundraising target could be £2,600 or £26,000 for the year.
STEP 2
Choose your Pillars and Set Your BRIT Challenge Targets (Consider inviting local colleges, specialist colleges, and schools).
Pillar 1: Inclusive Wellbeing Activities
(Launch your BRIT Challenge with an annual theme)
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Active Health and Fitness
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Mental Health and Wellbeing
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Fun activities built around a theme
Pillar 2: Acts of Kindness in the Community
(Run throughout the year to measure volunteering)
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Volunteering (students and staff)
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Civic Duty (support the community)
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Involve every department, clubs and societies
Pillar 3: Fundraising for Charities
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Awareness raising
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Outreach (encourage work placements)
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Events (invite in your local charities)
Evidence from participation can be measured through student and staff participation, volunteer hours, sharing Acts of Kindness projects, and funds raised.
STEP 3
Decide on a Team Name and complete our Registration Form
Team Name
Any number of teams can take part in the annual BRIT Challenge and the bigger the team, the more funds are likely to be raised for our partner mental health charities.
From experience, we know that some universities and colleges will decide to enter one team for the whole organisation, whereas others may decide to enter multiple teams for each campus, department or Students' Union sports team, club or society.
Universities and colleges have advised us that if more than one team takes part, it is less confusing if everyone uses one central Fundraising Page (so the same link is used on websites & social media).
Registration
Registering for the BRIT Challenge is to let us know you are taking part and ensures we can contact your university, college or Students' Union for:
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Visits from our BRIT Ambassadors
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Press Enquiries
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Quotes or permission to use logos, images or video content.
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Working together on social media.
The university, college, specialist college or Students' Union's (team) representative needs to fill out our online registration (below) and must have full capacity to register for the Challenge on behalf of their organisation (team).
Each university, college, specialist college or Students' Union is responsible for their team’s fundraising activity in aid of our charity partners and ensuring every individual taking part in the BRIT Challenge reads our
STEP 4
Set Up Your Fundraising Page
Once you've registered, follow our step-by-step guide on how to set up your GiveStar Fundraising Page. 100% of your donations will go to charity and GiveStar do not charge a fee.
We would be delighted if you raised funds for BRIT, however should you wish to raise funds for a second charity, alongside BRIT, the Give Star fundraising platform enables you to do this.
CAMPUS-WIDE STUDENT AND STAFF ENGAGEMENT
Use your communication platform to inspire and encourage everyone to participate. Document the journey and the success of each challenge pillar.
INCORPORATE INTO CAMPUS EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
STEP 5
Pass The Baton
Keep The Momentum Going
Collaboration is at the heart of BRIT and there is clear potential for institutions to lead on the BRIT Challenge in their city, county, or region.
Celebrate Your Successes
Share what your campus has achieved to motivate others.
Encourage Full Participation
Get students and staff involved across all departments and campuses.
Share What Works
Pass on practical ideas, appraoches and lessons learned.
Keep the Momentum Going
Make the BRIT Challenge a regular part of your academic year.
Reach Further
Extend the impact across your city, county and region – involve schools, community groups and partners.
Support the Next Team
Help others pick up the baton with your guidance and encouragement.
KEY POINTS
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Where representatives of universities, colleges, specialist colleges or Students' Unions have registered for the BRIT Challenge on behalf of their organisation, they represent and warrant that they have full authority to register on their behalf. By registering, they are informing BRIT that they are coordinating their BRIT Challenge wellbeing activities, Acts of Kindness and Volunteering in the Community, and fundraising activity in aid of BRIT or a charity of their choice.
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We are not responsible for organising your BRIT Challenge activities. It is your responsibility to do this in conjunction with your students and staff, and the organisation (university, college, specialist college or Students' Union) you belong to.
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You, and your students and staff, are participating in your BRIT Challenge activities entirely at your own risk.
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Each and every participant must read our Terms of Use prior to participating in your BRIT Challenge activities. Please be aware that if you decide to raise funds for a local, regional, or national charity, they may have their own Terms and Conditions that you may need to abide by.
Before registering your university, college, or Students' Union, or fundraising as a participant, key points you must read and understand are:
HEALTH AND SAFETY
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You are responsible for organising, supervising or hosting your inclusive wellbeing activities, Acts of Kindness and Volunteering in the Community, and fundraising activity, or for your participation in such activity (“Activity”).
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You are responsible for ensuring that your Activity does not pose a danger to yourself or others. If you have a medical condition, have concerns as to the level of your fitness, or are unused to exercise, please consult your doctor before engaging in any Activity. If you experience any health issues while undertaking any Activity, please stop and consult with a medical professional immediately. The British Inspiration Trust is not responsible for any health problems that may result from any Activity. If you engage in any Activity, you agree that you do so at your own risk and that you are voluntarily participating in such Activity.
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Please be aware The British Inspiration Trust does not accept responsibility or liability for any loss or damage, or for any death or personal injury, arising out of any Activity including liability as a result of negligence (except death or personal injury caused by The British Inspiration Trust’s negligence).
Each university, college, specialist college or Students' Union is responsible for the delivery of their inclusive wellbeing activities, Acts of Kindness in the Community, and fundraising activity in aid of BRIT (or a charity of your choice). Please ensure your students and staff taking part reads our Terms of Use.
LIABILITY
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You will take all reasonable precautions to protect the health and safety of all those participating in, involved with or attending your activity.
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You accept that any risks arising out of your fundraising activity are your responsibility, including any liability for any injury which may occur to you, your helpers or guests.
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You acknowledge that The British Inspiration Trust’s insurance policy will not cover your fundraising activity. You should always consider whether you need appropriate insurance cover for your fundraising activity. If necessary, carry out a risk assessment and make sure participants are fully briefed about the activity.
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You will not do anything that threatens The British Inspiration Trust’s reputation or name. If you do, The British Inspiration Trust has the right to ask you to stop your fundraising activity immediately.
Your BRIT Challenge fund-raising activity in aid of BRIT and the second charity of your choice.
KEEP IT SAFE
Every university, college, specialist college and Students' Union registering for the BRIT Challenge and embracing the Fundraising Pillar will have their own BRIT Challenge Fundraising Page on a trusted fundraising platform.
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If anyone under 18 is involved in the fundraising in any way, please make sure that they have permission from their parent or guardian and are properly supervised by a responsible adult.
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Under 18s’ should never approach strangers about fundraising.
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We do not permit house to house collections as we are not authorised to fundraise in this way.
By using the GiveStar Fundraising Platform, there is a capability for all donations to be equally shared between BRIT and a charity of your choice (if you decided to raise funds for more than one charity).
We recommend that all student and staff fundraisers share the link to their fundraising page so that:
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All fundraising materials (e.g. posters and digital images) include the line; "in aid of" BRIT and the second charity of your choice.
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Your fundraising materials do not suggest that you represent us, only that you are fundraising in support of us.
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All fundraising money collected through your BRIT Challenge fundraising efforts are paid online so the handling of cash is avoided.
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We can claim Gift Aid on donations as long as we receive a Gift Aid declaration from each eligible person who gave money. This is an option on many fundraising platforms.
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Collecting money in a public place is avoided by all fundraisers.
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Any type of lottery (such as a raffle, tombola or sweepstake) is avoided as there are strict rules about what you can do.
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All personal data held by us will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
Thank you for all your support and good luck with your BRIT Challenge fundraising activity.
The British Inspiration Trust (BRIT) invites universities, colleges, specialist colleges and Students' Unions to coordinate their own annual BRIT Challenge for their students and staff to deliver inclusive wellbeing activities, fundraise in aid of BRIT or a charity of their choice, and encourage Acts of Kindness and volunteering to strengthen civic duty and community engagement.
We are offering the BRIT Challenge as a framework for institutions and the flexibility to embrace the 3 Pillars of the BRIT Challenge in their own ways.
Information on fundraising terms, liability, risk and guidance are often hidden in the small print on websites. We have ensured our Terms of Use and advice are accessible, clear and helpful.