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Self-refer to parkrun

by Leigh Kendall | Feb 13, 2023 | in Learning from other community services challenge

This may be outside the box...but I see parkrun as a community health service, with the emphasis on community. It's closely related to the NHS, for example GPs refer people to in order to improve their physical and/or mental wellbeing.

It's something that anyone can self-refer to - it's beneficial for physical and mental wellbeing whether you run, walk, or volunteer.

The physical activity side is good for weight management and may be a positive alternative to slimming clubs, restrictive diets and scales etc.

There's a parkrun in most towns and cities across the UK.

https://www.parkrun.org.uk/

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Elaine KING Feb 17, 2023

I completely agree Leigh that I see it as a community health service - I think the word needs to get out through other less digital forms that it is free and you don't have to run (I think the name actually does it a little bit of dis-service as it sounds a bit scary if you just want to walk or support with volunteering)

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Sue Brown Feb 21, 2023

Run, jog, walk or volunteer is how they say you can get involved. They have been promoting parkwalking - I think November was parkwalk month.

For someone who is inactive, walking from the car park and standing for an hour scanning tokens or marshalling could be a big health benefit as well as getting people engaged with a community.

The question is how can health services promote it (while remembering that it's not for everyone).

Leigh Kendall Feb 27, 2023

Absolutely Sue - parkwalker is now a volunteer role in addition to tail walker, to help really emphasise that walking and walkers are very welcome.

Wholeheartedly agree with you about the volunteering - so many benefits whoever you are. I always enjoy parkrun however I take part, running, walking or in a supportive volunteer role and can't say enough good things about it. It's not for everyone of course though as you say :-)

Re health services promoting it, (some) GPs refer people to parkrun. GP practices can become 'parkrun practices' - of course it depends on GPs knowing about it and advocating it (my GP practice is a parkrun practice, championed by someone who is a regular attendee at parkrun). But it is a potential avenue to explore.

Thanks for your comment!

Jude Goddard Feb 21, 2023

Park run is such a positive and empowering gathering, great idea Leigh and yes Elaine, you don't have to run... I walked round with two dogs and a small child ... loved the welcome

Kate Jackson Feb 24, 2023

So important to see what is available in our whole community as assets in health and wellbeing not just the NHS Great point!

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Steven Smith Mar 1, 2023

I completely see this as a community service (or asset). The key to better uptake of these is raising awareness within the community, and also within the health and care workforce. We have been looking into tools/apps that support our colleagues in thinking more holistically about people, but also know they have limited time to get into full social prescribing. We have been working with a company called healthwave who are designing a platform for us, that will be tailored to a specific geographical area, will allow easy ways to pass on information (whatsapp, FB messenger, text or printed) and also give recommendations for other services that may benefit people (a bit like amazon - 'other people that bought this, also bought this') which will hopefully nudge/coach colleagues to think of other services/assets.