Peer Support Running Club

What is it?

Weymouth Peer Support Running Club is a monthly meet up by The New Normal Charity. It is for anyone who wants to speak about anything effecting their mental health and wellbeing, whilst also feeling the benefits of exercising in a relaxed environment. There are many reasons people may want to join this meet up, some of these include, but are absolutely not limited to: Abandonment, abuse, addiction, anger, anxiety, baby loss, being a carer, bipolar, body dysmorphia, BDP, breakdown of relationships, bullying, confidence, depression, disability, discrimination, domestic violence, family breakup, gender, grief, ill health, isolation, money, obsessive thoughts, panic attacks, phobias, poverty, race, religion, self harm, self worth, sexuality, sleep, stress, suicide, therapy, trauma and work.

Why did it start?

After joining my first Good Grief meeting in September 2020 to speak about the loss of my sister, I quickly realised the benefit of sharing and listening to other people's experiences. Exercising has also helped me throughout challenges with my mental health. Getting outside and doing something no matter how short, can feel like a really big win on a hard day. After speaking with people and hearing they feel the same about the benefits of talking and exercising, it felt like combining the two was a good step to make.

What to expect?

The group will run an accessible 5k route, where we go as fast as the slowest person. The aim of the run is not to get a personal best, but to speak with others whilst feeling the benefits of exercising. After the run there will be an optional peer support meeting. This is a chance for people to share with the group and listen to others in a non judgemental, safe space. Whatever a person has to say is relevant and they are welcome to bring anything to the meeting. All attendees are asked to respect the privacy of the space and treat others and ourselves with kindness throughout.

Where is it?

Enquire about this meeting