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Time to Talk - #RunAndTalk

Time to Talk Day takes place on Thursday 4th February. Promoted as part of the Time to Change Campaign led by mental health charities Mind and Rethink the 2016 Time to Talk Day focusses on getting the nation talking about mental health.

One in four of us will have a mental health problem at some point in our life and most of us go through times when we feel down. By joining together on one day, we can break the silence that often surrounds mental health, and show that talking about this once-taboo issue doesn’t need to be difficult. To support Time to Talk Day we are once again encouraging everyone to ‘run and talk’. So grab a friend and get out for a run, have a natter and de-stress! Tell us about it and encourage others to get out running and talking about mental health using #runandtalk.

Double Olympian Andy Baddeley is supporting #runandtalk and explained why he believes it is so important, “I’ve recently felt able to talk about my own struggles with depression and the response I’ve received has been overwhelming. The stories shared with me by complete strangers from both inside and outside athletics have been humbling and have illustrated the power of sharing, and of being able to talk openly about mental health.

"I’m proud to be able to support Mind and Rethink, together with England Athletics and it definitely is #timetotalk - please get together and #runandtalk to help one another de-stress."

Click here to read more of Andy's thoughts on the subject.

Here’s how you can show your support:

Make a pledge on Twitter/Facebook
I pledge to #runandtalk on 4th February to help get the nation talking about mental health #runandtalk #timetotalk

Take a picture of your run
Take a selfie or a photo of you and your group or club and upload it on Twitter or Facebook using #runandtalk #timetotalk

Tweet
Using #runandtalk and #timetotalk. Here are some suggestions:

I'll be joining @englandathletic to get the nation running and talking about mental health on 4th February. Will you? #runandtalk #timetotalk

I'll be joining @runengland to get the nation running and talking about mental health on 4th February. Will you? #runandtalk #timetotalk

I'll be joining @tgcrunning to get the nation running and talking about mental health on 4th February. Will you? #runandtalk #timetotalk

Taking part in regular athletics and running can

  • Boost self-esteem, raise self-worth and improve confidence
  • Promote good sleep patterns
  • Provide a meaningful activity
  • Offer a chance to meet people
  • Be something that you really enjoy

(Mental Health Foundation)

However, taking part in any type of exercise can be tough, especially when you’re feeling a bit low or lacking motivation. England Athletics recognises the contribution that running and athletics can play in supporting good mental wellbeing.

Mental health help and support services
If you are experiencing mental health problems or need urgent support, or find some of the conversations that come up on Time to Talk Day difficult and need to signpost someone for further information, there are lots of places you can go to for help.
www.time-to-change.org.uk/what-are-mental-health-problems/help-support-services

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