Run Talk Run and Walk Talk Walk are global online communities that are bringing people together to talk about their mental health, whilst getting active at the same time. Their mission is to make running and mental health support less intimidating and more accessible to everyone. With over a hundred weekly 5km walking and running events taking place across the globe, the initiative is picking up pace and it’s coming to Essex.
Dan Wilson-Brown has set up a Run Talk Run group in Ipswich. He is RTR’s East of England Regional Volunteer and every Wednesday, he and 11 others would get together to get active and share their thoughts. He also volunteers on a “Peer2Peer” scheme in his workplace, offering an anonymous listening service to his colleagues. After taking part in a number of charity events, including Movember, Miles for Mind and the Lost Hours Calm Walk, he has found that movement has been key to improving his mental health.
Despite national lockdowns and local restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dan is keen to set up Run Talk Run and Walk Talk Walk groups in Essex. He commented: “We have already had some promising conversations with groups in Basildon, Southend and Uttlesford and we hope to get these groups up and running early this year once restrictions allow.”
But Dan needs the support of local Essex residents to help. He said: “I welcome anyone interested to get in touch, have a look at our website and check out our new ambition to also support Walk Talk Walk groups set up across the county.”
According to Dan, Run Talk Run is a mental health support group first and a running club second. He said: “After following this wonderful community online and seeing how much it was helping others, it made sense to combine my passion for helping others; a love for getting outdoors come rain or shine and my Peer2Peer experience. I thought it might even help my recovery.”
Dan’s passion for supporting mental health initiatives grew following his own personal experiences. He has suffered from severe anxiety and mild depression, which developed into suicidal thoughts before reaching out for help. Dan said: “It affected my life so much until I asked for help. I acknowledged it would be hard, but I kept telling myself things could only get better. Fortunately, talking and running have saved my life.”
Run Talk Run and Walk Talk Walk events are free to attend, safe and welcoming spaces for people to share their thoughts and experiences; listen to others and have some friendly company whilst they exercise. Dan describes them as: ”For all abilities and a confidential space to share your good days, your bad days, or anything in-between.”
Juliette Raison, Active Essex Relationship Manager said: “At Active Essex we are always looking to support new opportunities and platforms that will help communities become more physically active and believe that Run Talk Run is a brilliant concept. This is not only because it creates a supportive environment for people of any ability to get into running but also importantly focuses on supporting an individual’s mental wellbeing at the same time”.
If you are interested in taking part, or setting up a Run Talk Run or Walk Talk Walk group locally to you in Essex, you can find details on their Facebook page, and website: www.runtalkrun.com / https://www.runtalkrun.com/walk-talk-walk
