New running group launched in Leamington to help people get active and talk about mental health

A new running group has been launched in Leamington to help people get active and talk about mental health.

Dr Shahnaz Hassan a psychiatrist at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust and Clarendon Lodge Medical Practice (CLMP) co-launched Run Talk Run earlier this month.

Run Talk Run was founded in London in 2017 by Jess Robson who herself at the time was experiencing depression and the initiative has since spread nationally.

It is a mental health support community first and a running group second.

Shahnaz first heard of this when scrolling through Instagram and saw an advert for Run Talk Run, she said: “I thought this would be a great way to encourage our patients, and the community to get active, as well as break down barriers to talking about mental health.”

Shahnaz was invited to be a run leader by Dominic Shepherd, a 'social prescriber', who on hearing Jess speak at a running show was inspired to start this locally through CLMP.

Also on board the team is Mick Hurrell, personal trainer for those aged over 50, Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi, and Stephen Gallagher, practice manager at CLMP.

Shahnaz said: “It can be daunting to get active especially if you are experiencing difficulties with your mental health, and this is a great way for people to benefit both their physical and mental health in a supportive environment.

"It’s also a good way to help people get back on their feet, especially as social restrictions due to coronavirus have meant reduced activity levels for many people.

"It also provides an alternative to those who may not be comfortable going back to the gyms just yet.’’

Stephen added: “We are a running group catering to all abilities of runners and walkers– what’s important is making sure people have that support.

"Our aim is to encourage people to exercise, meet others and have a chat.”

Everyone is welcome to join in on the weekly 5km run every Tuesday at 6.30pm, which starts at Clarendon Lodge Medical Practice in Leamington where Government social distancing guidelines are followed.

If anyone would like to join the club please details can be found at: https://www.clmp.org.uk/Patient-Participation/Run-Talk-RunFor more information on Run Talk Run go to: www.runtalkrun.com