03 September 2010Women in Sevenoaks are being given a unique opportunity to join a brand new running group to help tackle mild to moderate depression.
The non-competitive, friendly group is for anyone who is experiencing depression, anxiety, negative mood or low self-esteem and will guide participants through walking and running gradually over eight weeks.
The group will begin on 24 February and takes place every Wednesday at 1pm. Each session costs £2 per person. The group will meet at the Sencio cafe at Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, and a short walk into the beautiful surroundings of Knole Park will be followed by a walk and gentle jog in the Park's picturesque grounds.
The group is social and supportive. From start to finish each session will last a little over an hour. No specialist equipment is required, just suitable trainers and comfortable clothing.
Regular exercise can help people to recover from depression with recent studies showing that it can help to reduce anxiety and tension, lift moods and help with sleep. Exercise is a very natural way to respond to feeling down whilst giving a sense of achievement and control.
Cllr Pat Bosley, Sevenoaks District Council's Cabinet member with responsibility for healthy living, says: "Depression is a very common problem and affects about one in six people at some point in their life. This is a great new group which supports not only the physical health of women living and working in our District but can help you deal with negative emotions and bring you a general sense of mental wellbeing."
The group leader Shona Campbell has extensive experience in teaching people to run and everyone will be encouraged to walk or jog at their own pace. Shona, adds: "I know from personal experience how helpful jogging in the fresh air can be in lifting people’s mood, and I believe a non-competitive, mutually supportive group like this is the best way to go about it."
Residents who are interested in taking part, should call Shona Campbell on 07710 279497 or Harriet Heal on 07855 893863 for an informal chat.
The Up and Running Group is supported by Sevenoaks District Council in partnership with NHS West Kent as part of the Choosing Health Agenda which aims to make healthier choices easier.
