Mental health services will be coming to Eastbourne Parkrun

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which provides mental health and learning disability healthcare to people of all ages across Sussex, is teaming up with Parkrun - which organise free, weekly timed 5K runs at locations all around the world – at three local events on February 2 at 9am.

Staff from Sussex Partnership will be attending Eastbourne Parkrun at Shinewater Park to shine the light on mental health and suicide prevention with an aim to start a conversation about the Trust’s Suicide Awareness for Everyone (SAFE) and Say Hello campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of talking about mental health issues and promote suicide awareness.

Karen Hoskin, East Sussex care delivery service deputy director, said: “We know there are many benefits of running/ walking/volunteering and research has shown the impact parkrun can have on your mental health.

“We also know that people with mental health difficulties are more likely to die 20 years younger than the general population and that they are among the most socially excluded people in the UK, and social exclusion is associated with poorer physical and psychological health.

“Parkrun has set up a PROVE project (Parkrun; running or volunteering for everyone) to make Parkrun more welcoming and accessible for people with disabilities or long term health conditions.

“We aim to attend parkrun to share information promote awareness and share resources.

“We would love you to be involved.

Regular Parkrunners or beginners can sign up for free or come along and show their support on the day.

Jonathan, a Parkrun participant for three years, said: “Before and during this time I have suffered from severe episodes of depression. Involvement in Parkrun boosts your own energy, happiness and feelings of self-worth.”

Visit www.parkrun.org.uk/eastbourne