#runandtalk getting people talking in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire

#runandtalk took Leicestershire & Northamptonshire by storm last week with over 10 #runandtalk events taking place at RunTogether Groups and clubs across the counties. Whether you prefer to walk and whinge, jog and joke or run and rant – we want to RunTogether. We had groups running throughout the week getting people talking, catering for all levels and bringing people together.

Mental Health Ambassador Rob Beers said: "#Runandtalk went very well at RunTogether Melton Running Club, we maybe got 150-160 runners that night across the 5 ability groups.  I made all the marketing for the event cover all forms of emotional wellness (so this includes work related stress, anxiety, bad hair day!, depression, low mood).  I gave a talk before the session - the speech covered everyone supporting each other, the principals of the club, how easy it is to make new and lasting friends, and how talking and listening can very easily help save a life.

I actually made a point of quoting from Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey 'Be excellent to each other', not quite as academic as quoting Seneca or Euripides but the message certainly wasn't lost on the crowd we had."

Kelly Anderson from Redwell Runners said: "Redwell Runners were very proud to host our first Run and Talk event on Monday supporting Time to Talk week with England Athletics and Mind.  We encouraged our members to get involved, we promoted the benefits of Running and Talking to improve their mental wellbeing and break down the stigma associated with mental health. We had over 30 members join us from our beginners to our more experienced runners all coming together to Run and Talk, and support this great cause; we are looking forward to holding more events throughout the year!"

Chris Lamb from Parklands Jog and Run in Northampton said after his event:  "This evening Parklands Jog and Run were privileged to host an England Athletics #runandtalk night for Time to Talk day in aid of improving people's wellbeing through running and break the stigma associated with mental health. After an hour of fun but tough relays everyone left happier and healthier for it. Thanks to everyone who came."

Helen Kirk, a leader with the Squirrels, Broughton Astley was inspired to hold a #runandtalk event after attending a Leicestershire Run Leader forum focussing on mental health.

She said: "Our #runandtalk went really well! We advertised it in the local villages and had a huge turnout - including some new people !  We had different ability groups from C25k through to the speedies!  We ran slightly shorter routes to give everybody a chance to gather at the pub for a good chat, and all subs paid on the night were donated to Mind, resulting in a total of £110 - everybody commented what a fantastic idea it was! We are looking forward to taking part again next year."

England Athletics Club and Coach Support Officer Helen Pearce  joined in with RunTogether Dawn’s Running Pals doing a #runandtalk from Braunstone Leisure Centre.

She said: "It was a privilege to run and talk with such a lovely group to held to promote the mental well being benefits of running. The cake and chat in the café afterwards were an added bonus!"