A running group in Worsley is providing a safe and non-intimidating space to seek mental health support whilst building relationships in the community.
The group, Run Talk Run are part of wider national charity – but have been serving the community of Boothstown, Worsley with free weekly 5km runs.
And with a further 170 groups in locations worldwide, every group is hosted weekly to provide consistent peer support for those who seek it.
Together the group are encouraged to run at their suited pace, whilst also chatting and supporting each other’s mental health.
And the group has grown into a well-supported community group, as runner Krysia Kubinski-Johnson said: “I found out about the charity through a friend of a friend and saw them do their one on social media.
“I never classed myself as a runner, but I wanted to join a local club – but when I started my own running journey, I found that quite scary, like I always had the thoughts of not being invited or slowing them down.”
She continued: “So, Run Talk Run isn’t like that, it allows everyone to run at their own pace, and there is always someone to run with you.
“Everyone who comes to this, is at a different part of their running journey, so if you want to walk someone will walk with you too. It is really inclusive and that’s why people keep coming back to us.”
The sessions themselves are free, and there is no expectation of having to come every week, which allows people the option of joining when most comfortable.
The running group also incorporate “swanning” or “Swan”, where members of the group will curve round to join those at the rear of the group.
The idea behind this, is to encourage and make sure that the group start and finish as one – not only strengthening the team relationship but show the true community spirit.
As Krysia continued: “This is also something that is so positive in the community as friends have been made, and people now go out in the week with someone else in the group.
“And we also try to encourage this with socials, trips to pubs and cafe’s too, and we are trying to do the best we can in the heart of the community.”
And the group is open to everyone of all levels, with some using the running group as a recovery day, or as their one activity of the week.
This was the same for James, who started his running journey with the group two years ago, he said: “My wife got me involved initially and I wasn’t really interested to begin with.
“But it is such a positive thing, because it is free exercise with a routine, and it is really helpful because running with a group of people really motivates you.”
And since then, he has been able to remain committed to the group for over two years and believes it has had a positive impact on his life.
He continued: “Running with people it helps me to keep going, as you don’t have the real desire to stop. I feel healthy and fitter than I was when I started, and because I work from home it is nice to have that time outside, and the chance to exercise.
“This group is also great because we have some fantastic routes, great scenery and great people.”
And this was much the same for Jenny, who added: “You get so much out of this one activity, we all say ‘we should do more exercise, and spend time with your friends, and do something for you wellbeing’ and I think the group is all of that.”
“It is great to be able to get outside, with a great group of people and be involved.”
And being a part of the group for three years, she continued to share why she originally took part, she added: “I have run in the past, but I wanted to rebuild some confidence with running and fitness and getting out again.
“I followed the social media for a while before joining, and it seemed like such a lovely atmosphere full of lovely people – and there was no pressure to join.
“But since I have joined, I haven’t looked back, and we are all here to support one another.”
The group runs every Tuesday, meeting up at 6:50pm, before going on the run at around 7pm – they start together and finish together, all with the aim of improving mental health and wellbeing.
More information about the group, and those willing to join can find it here.
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