An Aberdeen-based community wellbeing initiative led by Marius Coste is continuing to receive support across the North-east during Mental Health Awareness Week.
The “Miles of Smiles” campaign, now in Week 48 of an 82-week challenge, was created to encourage positive conversations around mental health through community engagement, fundraising and physical activity.
As part of this week’s awareness activities, Marischal College will be illuminated in green on Monday evening in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week and the campaign’s ongoing contribution to wellbeing awareness within the local community.
Alongside participation in events including Aberdeen parkrun, the initiative has so far recorded almost 3,000 km through walking, running and cycling activities, while raising more than £4,248 for charitable causes since June 2025.
Further support was generated through the recent Alan Soutar Charity Event, organised by Mark Anthony Taylor, which raised £1,800 to be shared between Scottish Association for Mental Health and Clan Cancer Support.
Commenting on the campaign, Marius said: “Mental Health Awareness Week is an important opportunity to encourage open conversations and remind people that support is available. The backing received from individuals, local organisations and the wider community across Aberdeen has been greatly appreciated.”
With 34 weeks remaining, the initiative continues to highlight the positive role community partnerships, charitable fundraising and wellbeing-focused activities can play across the North-east.