Run Talk Run is a global mental health support community made up of small local groups who meet up for a free, weekly 5km gentle jog, with a focus on chatting about how we’re really doing. 

After discovering that there wasn’t a Run Talk Run group in Stratford, I decided to take a huge leap out of my comfort zone (bring on the anxiety and self-doubt) and enquire about becoming a Run Leader and setting up a new Run Talk Run group.

And here I am… preparing to lead Run Talk Run Stratford upon Avon’s first meet up on Tuesday 29th March 2022!

So why is starting up a local Run Talk Run group so important to me? 

Working in the mental health field, I have always been passionate about supporting people with their mental health and wellbeing. But this is actually more of a personal project for me. A combination of the effect of multiple covid lockdowns, a lifelong struggle with lack of confidence, losing some of my identity when I became a mum, and being self-employed, means that at times I feel quite isolated and disconnected. 

I also have a tendency to wear different ‘masks’ (metaphorical, not covid-related) when I’m around other people. Not that I’m not being myself with others, but rather, that I feel the need to hide parts of me away, and not be fully authentic. It is my hope that Run Talk Run Stratford Upon Avon can help to create a space for people to take their ‘masks’ off, and bring all of themselves, including how they’re feeling. Particularly if they’re feeling low, or anxious, or have had a bad day. 

I truly believe everybody can benefit from something like Run Talk Run. You don’t need to be an amazing runner (although you are very welcome if you are). You don’t need to feel super confident. Equally, you don’t need to be actively struggling with your mental health to join us. Everyone has something to gain from a bit of gentle exercise and a friendly chat for a mental health boost!

Along with the weekly exercise and space to share how you’re doing (which can be as much or as little as you feel comfortable with), I want to help foster a sense of belonging. I want to create a community where people really feel they belong, and they matter.

I hope you decide to join us.

 

Run Talk Run Stratford Upon Avon is starting on Tuesday 29th March.

 

We meet every Tuesday from 6pm at Lifeways (in the gazebo in the back garden).

 

Run starts at 6.15pm.

 

Run Talk Run is free to attend, but please sign up before each run on Heylo. Heylo is available to download from the App Store and Google Play, or you can access it using a web browser. Click on ‘join group’, search for Run Talk Run – West Midlands and request to join. Once your request has been accepted, you will find all regional runs, including RTR Stratford upon Avon, listed under the ‘events’ tab in date order. You can then RSVP to your chosen Run Talk Run event so that we know you’re coming.

 

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