Fareham Running Club is affiliated to an England Athletics Programme called #RunAndTalk. The programme, also supported by Mind, aims to improve Mental Health through running. The club has a team of one Mental Health Ambassador and two Mental Health Champions, who are there to support this programme via dedicated #RunAndTalk sessions, throughout the year.
The team can provide support and signposting to anyone who feels a need, due to any Mental Health concerns they or someone they know has. Our Mental Health Ambassador also provides support and training to the network of Mental Health Champions who are based throughout the country, and an advisory role to England Athletics and #RunAndTalk.
What is the direct benefit between running, particularly with a running club, and Mental Health?
There are very clear, positive, connections between running regularly with a running club and our Mental Health. Don’t just take our word for it, there is science to back up this claim. Here are five clear benefits of running:
1. Reducing anxiety and stress: It’s chemical. Running releases hormones called endorphins that naturally increase our sense of wellbeing
2. Boosting your brainpower: According to research, running increases your ability to make high-level decision making, plus benefits to memory and learning
3. Protecting your brain: Research suggests running regularly can reduce the risk of developing Dementia and Parkinsons disease
4. Running in nature combines the benefits of exercise and being in the natural world
5. It’s better together! Running with others reduces loneliness and social isolation.
Here is a reduced version of an article written by Dr. Rebecca Robinson, Consultant in sport and exercise medicine. https://basem.co.uk/running-and-mental-health/
Meet the Team
Trevor – Mental Health Ambassador
I am a retired Mental Health Nurse and Academic and have been passionate about reducing the impact of mental illness on people for many years. I have been a part of Fareham Running Club since 2011 and over the years have become a Run Leader, a Mental Health Champion and a Mental Health Ambassador. I believe this is a special club; it caters for all abilities and in embracing the #RunAndTalk project and the Mental Health Champions scheme. The club is acknowledging the importance of providing support and signposting to club members who may be struggling. If you join our club, you will find a very warm welcome, support regardless of your ability and an understanding if you need any support or signposting regarding mental health issues.
Vicky – Mental Health Champion
I have been a member of the club since 2021, and I have not found a more supportive, encouraging group of people than I have at this club.
Sadly, my family and I have had first-hand experience of losing someone due to poor mental health, and I want to ensure that as many people as possible do not have to experience what we have, and to break down the stigma of talking openly about Mental Health concerns.
As a Run Leader I aim to support all club members and make sure that no one is ever left behind.
Chris – Mental Health Champion
I have also been a member of FRC since 2021, and running has played a big part in my personal journey managing a busy and often stressful lifestyle. I also live alongside people who face mental health challenges every day, which has given me a deeper understanding of the importance of empathy, support, patience and simply being there. As a Mental Health Champion, I want to help foster an environment within Fareham Running Club where everyone feels supported, included, and able to talk openly without judgement.
Resources
â–Ş We’re Mind, the mental health charity | Mind
â–Ş Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
â–Ş Rethink: Charity for everyone living with mental illness across England
â–Ş Bipolar support and information | Bipolar UK
â–Ş Shout: The UK’s free, confidential, 24/7 mental health text service | Shout 85258