Stone Master Marathoners are an England Athletics accredited running club and as such we follow their guidance for club welfare.
We are very lucky to have a number of our members who are on hand to offer advice and guidance or at least signpost you to somewhere that can help.
Michael Beasley – Lead Welfare Officer & Mental Health Ambassador
I started running after friends of a similar age experienced physical health problems so out of a sense of recognition of my own poor physical health I started running. As a learning disability nurse working in an NHS mental health trust, I was more than aware not only of the physical benefits of running but also the positive impact running can have on an individual’s mental health.
I have completed the Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF) course with England Athletics and I am now qualified as a run leader. I have also completed a ‘Guide Runner’ course again with England Athletics to allow me to guide visually impaired runners. I also enjoy helping others meet their running goals by pacing from 5K to marathon distance.
Since joining SMM I have been entrusted with the role ‘Mental Health Ambassador’ with the objective to work within our running club to support the mental well-being of all members. I aim to make links between our club, mental health services/groups and organisations to encourage their members to start running.
With support from other SMM members we will start discussions about mental health with other running clubs working proactively with members of the ‘running community’ to achieve our goal of making running inclusive for all.
I aim to utilise social media to share information regarding England Athletics #runandtalk campaign and organise regular runs within SMM and again with other running clubs across our area.
Don’t hesitate to contact me regarding this role, I’ll do my best to answer your questions.
Anne Griffiths – Welfare Officer
Being a running leader means that I have been able to see many beginners join the Club (often slightly nervous and uncertain as to why they are there!) and progress into enthusiastic and competent runners. I joined SMM as a complete novice and the opportunity to run with dedicated, passionate runners inspired me to take on a running leader role so that I, too, could encourage others to join this wonderful little community.
Sally Hallows – Mental Health Champion
Hi, I joined Stone Master Marathoners in 2021 on their Couch to 5k program and haven’t looked back since. I didn’t realise how much running has improved my own mental health and I feel empowered to share this with others.
I work at the local high school and support students with Special Educational Needs, I also run the school well-being room. I have training in Safeguarding and Prevent, Mental Health First Aid, Suicide & Self Harm Awareness, so I can support staff and students with their well-being.
I’m proud to be part of Stone MM and support members and their families, not only on the Run & Talk evenings but throughout the club.
Sally
Paul Phillips – Coach
As well as my role as the club captain and the coach I have done several safeguarding and welfare courses as part of my coaching role and also my non running club activities. Although it is not my direct role I am more than happy for people to approach me with any questions and I will be discreet and signpost you in the right direction.
Email – captain@stonemm.co.uk
Useful Links
https://www.englandathletics.org/welfare
https://www.englandathletics.org/welfare/mental-health-and-wellbeing