How running can help lift your mood

Two Run Leaders from Staple Hill (Bristol area) are part of a growing group of England Athletics Mental Health Ambassadors who aim to provide support and encouragement to people who would like to improve their mental and physical well-being through running.

Maddy Ashton and Charlotte Nickson, are runners themselves with Staple Hill Runners, and have experience in mental health issues, making them the ideal candidates to take on the role.  Staple Hill Runners is a community based running group that caters for everyone from beginners to experienced runners.

Their story was recently highlighted in the local online news provider Downend Voice - click here to read the full story there.

Maddy works with people who suffer from various forms of mental ill health.
She said: "I believe that exercise and running play a central role in the recovery and stability of mental well-being. It certainly does for me."  Maddy returned to running with the encouragement of her GP and counsellor after suffering with post-natal depression, anxiety and depression. 

Charlotte has undertaken various forms of training regarding mental health and has recently completed a session on anxiety and depression.  Charlotte said: "We try to integrate the runners in to the local running community through parkrun and local events.  The mutual support and friendships that many have gained from the group is fantastic."

The group is run by Run! City Activator Bristol Helen Newberry and is well supported by a number of qualified run leaders. It is completely free and everyone is welcome.

• Click here for Staple Hill Runners Facebook page
• Email at sh.runners@hotmail.co.uk
• Just turn up at 7pm any Thursday evening at the main gates of Page Park