FLRC is proud to announce we now have four Mental Health Champions and one Mental Health Ambassador in association with England Athletics and Run Together’s national campaign #RunAndTalk.
Mental health is part of our lives, whether this is because we are directly affected or know someone that is. So it is more important than ever for us to be more aware, take more notice, give more respect to the individual and have time to listen. Our mental health champions can help with this by providing points of initial contact within the club. We want to provide a safe space and a non- judgmental ear to help those that may need it. Mental Health can affect individuals in so many different ways and it may not always be obvious.
Who are they?
Our Mental Health Champions are not trained mental health workers, we are qualified run leaders that have stepped forward for this role as we are committed to helping others. Heidi, Leah, Lesley, Lin and myself are your champions.
We are all completing a ” Mental Health Awareness for Sport and Physical Activity” online training course. We are also receiving training from Lin our qualified mental health nurse and Mental Health Ambassador. Lin is passionate about what she does and comes with a wealth of experience. Our members will be directed and given the correct guidance and information to access the support they need.
Exercise helps
Studies have shown that regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups. Exercise is essential for slowing age related cognitive decline and promoting well being (ref MIND).
We can help by continuing to promote positive mental health with exercise and to keep talking as openly as possible to reduce the stigma associated with it. This is something we have always encouraged at Foxy Ladies as we have witnessed how much a run and chat can improve positive mental attitude, lift spirits and aid in clearer thinking.
We have dedicated #runandtalk runs on a Monday night for this exact purpose.
Running brings emotions to the surface through the release of adrenaline. Sometimes we see this manifest as upset or stress along with heightened emotions that come on quite unexpectedly. We are always heartened by the support given from our members (their run buddies) both before, during and after a session or run. It helps to talk about their situation and we see strong and trusted bonds forged between people enabling deeper emotional connections.
Being Mental Heath Champions, we aim to;
- promote mental well being through running by supporting the aims of #RunAndTalk
- work to support our members to improve their mental health through running.
- Support new people who are experiencing mental health problems to start running, get back into running, or continue running.
We;
- Have experience ourselves of a mental health problem, either personally and/or from a close relative or friend.
- Have an open and non-judgmental attitude.
- Adopt a positive, patient and supportive approach towards supporting people with mental health problems.
- Be a positive role model.
- Behave in a professional, confidential and non-discriminatory manner at all times and promote equal opportunities for all.
We will;
- Support #RunAndTalk campaigns and register an organised run for each event
- Provide crisis contacts to their club/group
- Be a point of contact for anyone experiencing mental health problems to join the club/group
- Encourage and promote conversations about mental health
- Make links with mental health organisations in the community
- Actively promote mental well being and running
All our Foxy members now have access to our Mental Health Champions and MH Ambassador. However if you’re reading this and not yet a member and need support or would like to talk someone please contact MIND on this link
