To mark World Mental Health Month, Vhi has launched a campaign as part of its award-winning More Than Running series, which this time focuses on the positive mental health benefits of participating in parkrun.
Vhi’s recent parkrun survey of parkrunners found that parkrun offers physical benefits and has a significant positive impact on its participants’ mental health.
55% of those surveyed say they mainly participate in parkrun to improve their mental health, while 58% said it gives them a sense of achievement or accomplishment. The survey results also showed that:
- 97% of participants say parkrun has had a positive impact on their health and wellbeing
- 58% said it has improved their overall happiness
- 42% say it has given them a more positive outlook on life
- 40% say parkrun helps them switch off and de-stress
- 89% say that the opportunity parkrun gives them to experience nature positively affects their mood and mental wellbeing
- 1 in 3 say participating in parkrun has given them more confidence
Vhi has created a parkrun video series with Vhi ambassador David Gillick speaking to parkrun community members who tell first-hand their stories of how parkrun has positively impacted their lives.
In the first of these videos, Louisa Mulholland of Dundalk parkrun tells David how parkrun has helped her through challenging times and allowed her to connect with her local community.
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“As presenting partners of parkrun, Vhi is committed to helping people live longer, stronger, healthier lives,” said Brighid Smyth, Head of Corporate Communications at Vhi.
“Our recent survey of parkrun participants highlighted the mental health benefits that many experience by taking part on a Saturday morning.”
“Feedback from the Parkrun community showed that Parkrun offers participants the chance to switch off the worries of everyday life, build friendships within their local community, get outdoors, and experience nature. It is a unique event we’re very proud to partner with.”
“I’m so proud to be a part of this campaign and to help bring to light the amazing mental health benefits available to people through parkrun,” added David Gillick.
“I have first-hand experience of these benefits, and the survey results show that parkrunners across the country feel the same way. It just goes to show the importance of parkrun within local communities, and I would strongly encourage anyone thinking about getting involved in parkrun to give it a try; you will not regret it.”
There are now 458,000 registered participants on the Irish Parkrun database, with 15,000 taking part weekly at the 150 venues around the country where it is staged.
The Sport for Business Membership comprises nearly 300 organisations, including all the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies.
