Yesterday morning at dawn, 1,300 naked people ran into the sea for the North East Skinny Dip.
Since it began in 2012, the NESD has brought together hundreds of people each year to raise money for the mental health charity Mind. The event has now raised more than £200,000, while giving thousands of people the opportunity to experience skinny dipping and social nudity without any expectation or commitment beyond the day itself.
Although we awarded founder Jax Higginson a Certificate of Merit for her work in 2019, the NESD is not a Naturist event. It is something much simpler: a chance to do something different, have some fun and raise money for an important cause. Perhaps avoiding the labels is part of the secret of its success. There is no commitment and no expectation; it is simply something a little crazy to do on the day of the Autumn Equinox each year.
Jax describes it as a celebration of life:
“Everyone has their own personal experience, but it's a celebration of life, nature, and humanity - it's an opportunity to let go and be present.”
While she wants the positive effect of accepting our bodies to be an important part of the experience, the broader focus on mental health runs throughout the event:
“The more we talk about our mental health and illnesses, the more we share our struggles and healing practices, the more we can break the stigma around them and save lives.”
So, well done to Jax for another outstanding event, and to everyone involved in making it happen. No doubt we will see you all again next year.
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