What is Run and Talk?
Run and Talk is an England Athletics programme supported by the charity Mind and aims to improve mental health through running. Derwent runners are proud to be a part of the programme and the club has appointed three mental health champions: Andy, Seren and Rebecca who have completed the Run and Talk mental health champion training.
The club always strives to be warm, welcoming, and inclusive however our designated run and talk nights provide an opportunity to get people talking about their mental health. It is also when our mental health champions are on hand to provide support and guidance. If you’re new to running, returning after a break or would like support continuing to run, through the run and talk programme we’re here to help.
What are the benefits of Run and Talk?
We know that exercise is good for us and the run and talk programme has been designed to benefit our mental health in a number of ways.
Running can provide a great boost to our mood. When we run our brains release chemicals called dopamine and serotonin (our happy hormones) which gives our mood a natural lift and can last long after we’ve stopped running. Running is also a great stress reliever and when we run regularly, we increase our body’s ability to manage stress.
When you run and talk as part of a group there are also other benefits to our mental health, which is great news! Being part of a group and running and talking provides a fantastic way to improve our confidence and self -esteem. Chatting to other runners and our mental wellbeing champions and sharing our experiences can help to reduce stigma and feelings of loneliness. The sense of accomplishment you feel when you reach the end of the run, is enhanced when you’re able to share it with others!
How can I get involved?
Our Run and Talk sessions are held on the first Tuesday of each month and we meet at Derby Rugby Club at 6.30pm. You don’t have to be experiencing a mental health problem to attend and we welcome runners of all abilities. Maybe you simply haven’t run for a while or would like to try running as part of a group for the first time? There is no pressure to talk about your mental health, but our mental health champions will be there to welcome you and will be around if you would like their support.
We understand that it can be difficult to attend a new group for the first time and we are here to help. If you have any questions or would like to let us know you are planning on coming, so one of our mental health champions can be available to meet you at the rugby club, please do get in touch.