Get Inspired: #runandtalk with England Athletics & Mind to improve mental health

In the week of World Mental Health Day, England Athletics and the charity Mind are encouraging people to #runandtalk to improve their mental wellbeing.

People are being urged to run one mile or further and to chat with friends, family, colleagues or other runners.

The event is supported by more than 200 volunteer England Athletics mental health ambassadors in affiliated running clubs and groups.

There are organised runs at England Athletics clubs or RunTogether groups.

However, you can choose the distance and location that suits you. You don't even have to run the whole way - walking and jogging are allowed.

The #runandtalk campaign aims to improve mental health through running in England by:

• Getting people talking about mental health, sharing their experiences and removing stigma;

• Raising awareness of mental health problems;

• Supporting people experiencing mental health problems to be physically active through running, whether that is to support them in starting, returning to or continuing to run.

How does it work?

1) Sign up on the dedicated Facebook event page here.

2) Tag other people to tell them about it and encourage them to run.

3) Run one mile or further before 14 October at a time and location of your choice - either with friends or family, or by joining one of the organised runs at an England Athletics club or RunTogether group listed on the Facebook event page.

4) If you want to, wear a 'Reason Card' to show why, who or what you're running for (for example 'anxiety', 'my mum', 'to break down stigma' etc), available to download and print from the event page.

5) If you want to, upload a photograph to social media and the event page using a '#runandtalk board' at the end of your run to show people you've taken part (add the name of the club/group, organisation or family you are running with if you want). Available to download and print from the event page.

6) Talk about it on social media using #runandtalk.

Who can take part?

Anyone. Organised runs will, however, have a minimum age so check the information for the run you wish to join.

Do I have to have a mental health problem to take part?

No. One in four people experience mental health problems each year and running can help everyone's mental wellbeing.

If you would like to find out how to get into running, have a look at our inclusive guide.