Mental health is a crucial part of our overall well-being, yet it’s often a difficult topic to bring up. At Welsh Athletics and Run Wales, we’re committed to changing this narrative through our charity partnership with Mind Cymru. That’s why we’ve introduced the Mental Health Champion role across our affiliated running clubs and Run Wales Social Running Groups, knowing the potential mental health benefits that can be brought by running, socialising and physical activity.
Training for our next cohort of champions will be available for booking soon and will be on a first come first served basis.
Online training sessions are held over two evenings and it is important that both sessions are attended.
Who are Mental Health Champions?
A Mental Health Champion is someone within your running group who is passionate about reducing the stigma around mental health. They are approachable, empathetic individuals who have received specialised training to support others in your group. Whilst they are not mental health professionals, they serve as trusted points of contact who can listen, offer encouragement, and guide you toward appropriate professional help if needed.
Why are they important?
Discussing mental health can be daunting. Many people struggle silently, not knowing where to turn or how to start the conversation. A Mental Health Champion is there to make these conversations easier. They help create a supportive and safe environment where everyone feels comfortable discussing their mental well-being. Whether you’re personally facing challenges or want to support someone else, your group’s Mental Health Champion is a valuable resource.
How Do They Support the Group?
Mental Health Champions support their groups in two key ways:
- Proactive Engagement: They actively promote mental health awareness by sharing stories, organising events, and highlighting key moments like Time to Talk Day, Mental Health Awareness Week and World Mental Health Day. Their efforts help cultivate a culture where mental health is openly discussed and prioritised.
- Reactive Support: When someone in the group needs to talk, the Mental Health Champion is there to listen without judgment. They can help identify helpful resources and, when necessary, direct individuals to professional services for further support.
What Does This Mean for Your Group?
Having a Mental Health Champion in your running group means having someone dedicated to making your group a more inclusive and supportive space. They bring awareness to the mental health benefits of running and physical activity while ensuring that anyone facing mental health challenges knows they are not alone.
Who Makes a Great Mental Health Champion?
The ideal Mental Health Champion is someone who is naturally empathetic, a good listener, and passionate about mental health. They should be approachable, non-judgmental, and genuinely care about the well-being of others. Confidence in communication and an understanding of the importance of confidentiality are key. Whether they have personal experience with mental health issues or simply a strong desire to support others, these champions play a crucial role in fostering a supportive and open community.
If you’re someone who resonates with these qualities, consider stepping up as a Mental Health Champion. Your involvement could make a significant difference in the lives of those around you.
Could this be you?
We’ve already trained over 60 volunteers across the country, and we’re excited receive new nominations for future training sessions. Please remember that at this stage, we can only provide this training for up to two volunteers per group. Interested individuals should contact their group’s organising committee, and groups wishing to nominate a champion should contact us via support@irunwales.org.uk if they would like to participate in the programme.
A full description of the role is available here!
Affiliated Clubs & Social Running Groups with Mental Health Champions
| Affiliated Running Clubs | Social Running Groups |
| Aberystwyth AC | Campions Champions |
| Albany Road Run Club | Cardiff Muslim Runners |
| Buckley Runners | Just Run Penybont |
| Caerleon Running Club | Môn Milers Social Running Group |
| Cardiff Athletics | Porth Eirias Runners |
| Chepstow Harriers | Run Grangetown |
| Fairwater Runners Cwmbran | RUNNewport |
| Health Massive Run Club | She Runs: Cardiff |
| Llanelli Althletic Club | Swansea Striders |
| Lliswerry Runners | The Black Cloak Runners |
| Meirionnydd Running Club | The Running Social |
| Monross Trailblazers | Vale Runners |
| Newport Harriers | |
| North Wales Road Running Club | |
| Paul Popham Running Club | |
| Penarth and Dinas Runners | |
| Pencoed Panthers | |
| Pont-y-Pwl and District Runners | |
| Pontypridd Roadents | |
| Prestatyn Running Club | |
| Run4All Neath | |
| Sospan Road Runners | |
| Tri Hard Harriers |
We would like to say a big thank you to all of our Mental Health Champions for completing the training and supporting your club or group with mental health support. Together, we really can make a difference and save lives.