A Salford charity is helping people beat the winter blues by encouraging them to get active.
MileShyClub was founded in 2017 to inspire people of all ages to get involved in exercise. Now that winter has set in, the organisation plays a vital role in helping people affected by the poor weather to stay connected socially.
The charity hosts beginner running and walking groups that give people a reason to leave the house and get active.
Eccles walk leader and reflexologist Lyndsey Walker, 44, said: “Short days and low energy can make people withdraw socially.”
“The wellness walks are a safe space for people in the community to gather, contribute and communicate.
“It’s a nice open space to talk about life and ups and downs.”
Mental health and wellbeing start to decline towards the end of the year as people start to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – a type of depression that becomes more severe during the winter.
Lyndsey said the MileShyClub helps people to build awareness of their mind, body and spirit, allowing them to improve and thrive in challenging, changing times.
She added: “It’s about getting people to increase their awareness about the benefits. I get to see people transition and change, improving their fitness levels and interacting with each other.
“It’s also about giving people the motivation to get out of the house; short days and low energy make people withdraw socially, but knowing others will be there can give them the motivation and accountability they need.”
Jane Dennison is the founder and CEO of MileShyClub. She used running as a way to transform her life when she was struggling with her own mental health and has worked to make the groups accessible, affordable and fun.
All of the MileShyClub groups are focused on getting people involved in exercise to better their physical and mental health.
Social persciber Sara Watson works to help refer people who struggle with their wellbeing and often connects them with MileShyClub in the lead-up to winter.
She said: “People just struggle a little bit more during winter because everyone is inside, so it slows social interactions down.”
The charity organises a range of running and walking groups across Salford, Stockport and Manchester, each carried out by an experienced leader.
For more information go to the MileShyClub website.
