CR’s first “#Run and Talk” event

Sunday 8th October at Chorlton Water Park

Report by Stuart Holliday

On Sunday 8th October 2017, a team of Chorlton Runners Mental Health Ambassadors – John Etherson, Leona Beaumont, Stu Holliday, Fiona Roberts and Claire Bellis – held our first Run and Talk event for the club and local community at Chorlton Water Park

It was held in support of the England Athletics initiative that is aimed at encouraging people to run and talk to improve their mental wellbeing and help break down the stigma associated with mental health problems. It is well known that exercise can benefit mental wellbeing, but for those people with a mental health problem it can be difficult to get an exercise plan started. This may be due to issues around body image, a lack of self-esteem or confidence, or practical problems such as having no one to go with or knowing where to get started.

Being known as Manchester’s friendliest running club, it was natural for us to want to support the initiative and our local community. We set up the club gazebo where the normal Sunday runs begin and end, next to the lake just near the car park. We also dressed in the CR Black and Gold so the team stood out. Thanks to John’s stereo, we could also be heard from some distance away!

On the day we got a good number of local people as well as some existing club members to go on either a 1 or 2-mile run. Afterwards, as CR tradition dictates, coffee and cake were provided along with information on mental health and the opportunity to chat – whether about themselves, running, or the quality of the cakes! (John scoring big points for his orange marble number!). Regular Sunday CRs also dropped by to support the event, have a brew and welcome attendees, demonstrating our friendliness and inclusive spirit

Fab morning run with @Chorltonrunners #runandtalk event! And there was tea & cake! Well done @leonabeaumont & @johnTEtherson – @McrRun, Tess Ptonka, England Athletics

We were delighted that Tess Ptonka (from England Athletics) and local Manchester councillor Joanna Midgley also joined and promoted the event via social media. Feedback after the event was really positive, with people already asking when the next event is to be held. Based on Sunday, we hope it will be soon.There is more information about the Mental Health Ambassador scheme on the club’s website but if you have any questions then please contact one of our representatives: Click HERE for further information

See below for some great feedback from Twitter