We’re kicking off our Club Spotlight series with MileShy Club – the award-winning club that was started during the mental health crisis of its founder, Jane. Find out about what makes MileShy Club unique, and discover other local clubs on our Find A Club page below!

SPOTLIGHT ON… MILESHY CLUB

Meet Jane who set up the award-winning MileShy Club in 2017 during her own mental health journey. The club received funding from our Trafford Active Fund last year (where £1 of every entry goes towards creating a sporting legacy in Greater Manchester) and also featured in a new BBC campaign to relaunch the Couch To 5K app in April this year. We caught up with Jane and club member Helena, who spoke about how running communities can be a safe space for people.

MileShy Club founder Jane Dennison started the group having battled with her mental health.

HI JANE! TELL US HOW YOU STARTED MILESHY CLUB?

“Having tried to take my own life in my early 20’s, I took up running as a coping strategy alongside CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and medication. MileShyClub was created as a safe space to support others going through difficult situations, by getting active. Our charity now has over 6.5k members”.

WHERE DO YOU TRAIN?

“All over! We currently have 16 beginner running and walking clubs across 3 Manchester boroughs – Trafford, Salford and Manchester.”.

WHAT CAN MEMBERS EXPECT?

“More than you might think! We’re a running and walking club but also very social. There are loads of fun events in our calendar, such as a star gazing walk in the Peak District this month. Most importantly however, all members can expect a safe, friendly and supportive environment”.

MEET CLUB MEMBER HELENA

Jane nominated Helen as a stand-out member who leads MileShy Club ‘Recovery Group’ sessions. She explained a bit more about the club and her role.

“I was asked to facilitate the MileShy Recovery Group after joining the club on the couch-to-5k programme and having completed my BSc in Psychology and Counselling. This group is for people in recovery, or who are looking to change their relationship with drugs or alcohol. We offer activities that can support health and wellbeing, such as yoga, meditation, nutrition, exercise and creativity.

Proud club member Helena facilitates the Recovery Group which helps “empower” individuals.

“As a proud member of the club myself, MileShy club offers a wonderful sense of achievement and togetherness. It is so empowering for individuals to recognise their potential, and this is incredibly supported within the group”.

FIND A CLUB PAGE

With the running revolution meaning more people are lacing up than ever before, there’s no better time to join a running club. If you’re lucky enough to live in the North West, this region boasts a huge variety of thriving clubs, who can help you reach your goals whether that be to get fit, socialise or even win the Manchester Half marathon!

Our handy Find a Club page uses interactive maps to help you find local running club gems. Find out more below!