As we look forward to the AMOSSHE National Conference 2021, we're delighted that one of our keynote speakers will be Phil Packer MBE, Founder and Non-Paid CEO of the British Inspiration Trust (BRIT). Phil will discuss his extraordinary story and the achievements of the BRIT Challenge.

Phil has invited every UK university and college to enter teams in the BRIT 2021 Challenge to support young adult mental health and fitness throughout the UK. Due to COVID-19 restrictions the BRIT 2021 Challenge has been extended to 1 July 2021. Universities and colleges now have until 16 May 2021 (the last day of Mental Health Awareness Week) to register teams. If you haven’t seen this super opportunity for all your students and staff to participate, here's a step-by-step guide for how to take part: The BRIT 2021 Challenge.

The BRIT 2021 Challenge is an inclusive event and free to enter. It's been designed so that students and staff of all abilities can participate either at home or on campus. This is an inspiring feel-good fundraiser and Phil encourages AMOSSHE members and others in higher education to embrace this opportunity for the following reasons:

• Registration is free, and with a little coordination and promotion, all students and staff can take part, whether on campus or at home.
• Phil has partnered with Student Minds, PAPYRUS, Nightline and the Charlie Waller Trust so they will all benefit from the vital funds raised.
• Universities UK, amongst many other education governing bodies including the AoC, Colegau Cymru, Colleges Scotland and the National Union of Students are partnering with BRIT to embrace, champion and promote their BRIT 2021 Challenge.
• There are many fundraising events and causes that our institutions support, however this is a unique and visionary opportunity for every UK university and college to showcase our collaboration and collective strength in support of young adult mental health.
• Phil is inviting British sporting icons (Olympians, Paralympians, sports personalities, adventurers and explorers) to choose a university or college and inspire and enthuse our students and staff to take part. This is also a great opportunity to re-engage with sporting alumni. By registering a team, sporting icons can then engage students with video messages and through social media. At a time when we all need some inspiration, this has huge potential for success if we all get behind the challenge.

The BRIT 2021 Challenge was officially launched on 22 of January (Sporting icons, educators and students unite to support young adult mental health at every UK university and college). Since then, almost seventy institutions have entered teams and over eighty British sporting icons have joined the BRIT Ambassador family to support our students and staff. With our collective support as leaders of Student Services in UK higher education, this will undoubtedly be a success.