As part of Mental Health Awareness week, The Mental Health Foundation are highlighting the impact that movement has on our mental health and feeling of wellbeing with this year’s theme ‘Movement: Moving more for our mental health’.
The “Love Running Tuesday Nighters” know all about the benefits of physical activity, and meet every week to run in groups to suit all abilities, beginners, intermediates and advanced.
Randall: Well documented to aid good mental health
Jo Randall, from Love Running in Newport, who organises the sessions says,
“Running is well documented to aid good mental health because it offers you head-space, exercise, companionship and social contact.
“We also have volunteer ‘listeners’ in the group every week in case a member wants to chat about any issues”.
New members of all abilities are always welcome by contacting Jo on [email protected]
Supporting Isle of Wight Youth Trust
The Tuesday Nighters are supporting Isle of Wight Youth Trust by choosing them as one of their charities to raise funds for at the Isle of Wight Marathon taking place on 6th October 2024. The Marathon is one of the oldest in the UK and has taken place continuously since 1957.
The event is organised by the Ryde Harriers Running club and participants run the 26.2 mile course starting in Cowes.
Morley: It is nice to give back to – and support – this well needed service
Deb Morley, Alex Gaeta, Rachel Richards, Jane Karabasic and Lauren Coopey are part of the team who are fundraising for Isle of Wight Youth Trust. Deb said,
“As a foster-carer for the past eight years, Isle of Wight Youth Trust have played a big role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the children in my care.
It is nice to give back to – and support – this well needed service on the Island, as they really do make a difference to the children.”
Matthias: I met some really lovely people who were encouraging and supportive
Bella Matthias aged 17, one of the younger group members said,
“I have always loved sports when I was younger. I stopped attending clubs for a while when I got a bit older. Just before my GCSEs and during Covid life got a bit stressful and I joined the Love Running Tuesday Night group with my mum. It was good fun, and I met some really lovely people who were encouraging and supportive and it helped with my stress and anxiety and sleep. I also started to run outside of the LRTN group at parkrun and runs with my mum. I stopped going for a while, but I know that I can just join in whenever I want to.”
Dartigues: Really helps me to wind down after a long day at school
Another young runner, Lucie Dartigues, said,
“I think running really helps me to wind down after a long day at school especially with exams and university applications coming up, and joining a running club keeps me accountable and enables me to socialise.”
Support the runners
You can support the marathon runners by visiting their fundraising page. You will be able to spot them training and participating in their bright orange Youth Trust vests!
If you are interested in taking part in the marathon and raising funds for the Isle of Wight Youth Trust, please contact [email protected]
Movement is a brilliant way to improve our wellbeing and you don’t need to run a marathon or join a gym for it to have an impact. Even a short brisk walk can boost our mood and confidence, reduce anxiety and loneliness by offering new ways to spend time with family and friends and an opportunity to meet new people. The Mental Health Foundation have some great tips on how you can incorporate short, fun and cost free ways to get moving. You can also find out more on the NHS website.
News shared by Tash on behalf of Isle of Wight Youth Trust. Ed
