In the Spotlight: Run For Me

Run For Me has a wide range of different participants attending, for a whole host of different reasons. Mental health affects people in different ways and Run For Me has no restrictions or boundaries when it comes to welcoming new people to the group. We caught up with one of our current Run For Me participants, Charlie, who shared with us her story and how the sessions have been having a positive impact on her mental health.

What does Run For Me mean to you?

CS: Run for Me means getting together with a group of lovely people each week. It means being supported whilst you run, knowing that however you’re feeling, you’ll get through it. It means chatting over coffee after the run, socialising with people you’ve never previously spoken to and making new friends.

People from all different walks of life attend our Run For Me programme, but what’s your story and why did you first attend the sessions?

CS: After living in Leeds for 12 years, I moved to Norwich after the breakdown of my marriage. I have bipolar disorder, OCD and anxiety and struggle a lot with my mental health. Exercise is one of the main things that helps me so when I found out about the sessions and their focus on mental health, I was keen to get involved!

How long have you been attending the sessions, and do you have a favourite moment or experience so far?

CS: I have been attending since the start of July (shortly after I moved to Norwich). I have had lots of great moments, but one would be joining a running group that formed because of the sessions. We meet every Wednesday at Eaton Park and run together. Another highlight was completing Run Norwich – when a space came up to join the event, it was because these sessions that I had the confidence to sign up. They helped me to believe in myself as a runner, and I’m very grateful.

What would you say to anyone looking to get involved?

CS: Come along! I know how hard it can be trying something new, and I was so anxious when I joined, but the session’s leader (Dudley) will make you feel at ease straight away – he’s so kind and welcoming. Everyone who comes along is absolutely lovely, and it won’t be long ‘til you’re making new friends. It doesn’t matter what your running ability is – it’s for absolutely everyone. It’s not about speed or breaking records – it’s about looking after your mental health and meeting new people.

It’s Mental Health Awareness Day on the 10^th of October – what does this mean to you?

CS: Mental Health Awareness Day is a very important day to me. I’ve struggled with my mental health for two decades and anything that raises awareness is brilliant in my opinion. It’s so important we talk about a range of illnesses – from anxiety to OCD to schizophrenia – not just this day, but every day of the year. There is still stigma attached to many mental health conditions, and it’s more important than ever that we talk about them openly and honestly, ensuring no one feels alone.

Want to find out more about our Run For Me sessions? Click here.