‘Running together can save lives’ – partner with England Athletics and the Home Country Athletics Federations to transform the nation’s mental wellbeing through the power of group running
England Athletics and the other Home Country Athletics Federations have unveiled an ambitious target on putting a Mental Health Champion into every one of the 5000 running groups and clubs across the UK – aiming to ensure their club and running group community of half a million runners is fully supported to be healthy and happy.
The Home Country Athletics Federations are seeking a corporate partner to help them grow their programme and further support their community to enjoy the benefits of running for improved mental health. The organisations are highlighting the power of running together – as those who run with others are more likely to stay active and boost their mental health.
Early research from England Athletics’ new continuous study suggests that club runners who have access to a Mental Health Champion experience more positive mental wellbeing when compared to the average group runner, with 8 in 10 saying they or a fellow club member have personally benefited by having this support in the group.
As part of their bid to transform provision for mental health support within physical activity, England Athletics has partnered with Scottish Athletics, Welsh Athletics and Athletics NI with the goal of embedding a Mental Health Champion in every club. The role of a Champion is to support people to access the mental wellbeing benefits of running, remove stigma and get people talking about mental health.
- “I hope my running legacy is that I have used my experiences to change other people’s lives.” After suffering from bullying as a child, Hayley has made a career out of helping people with their mental health, of which running has been a huge part. Watch the video on England Athletics’ Facebook page
The Home Country Athletics Federations currently support nearly 500,000 runners and athletes across their network clubs and their social running groups, and currently have Mental Health Champions in 10% of these clubs and groups – with the bold ambition of making this 100%.
More information
Andy Anstey
+44 (0)7718 394 753
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