‘Okay, that’s a bit of a stretch, but running certainly did help see me through some challenging times. Just getting out on the fells, experiencing whatever nature wanted to chuck my way afforded me the space to order my thoughts and gain some perspective. I found myself spending hours out there, and when daylight bled into night-time, I kept going.
I found myself connecting with other long distance runners, and it soon became apparent that it wasn’t just me that used movement through nature to better manage my mental health. Running, for most, seemed to be crucial instrument for self-care.
If it’s that good, why aren’t there more of us? I reckon it’s because the thought of running scares people. There’s all this stuff about it being hard, requiring commitment, expensive kit, special supplements, and a certain mindset. Then there’s the fear of what other folk might think. Self-doubt creeps in, and before you know it, you’ve resigned yourself to the sofa, watching reality TV, eating junk food, wallowing in feelings of helplessness and self-disappointment. Okay, maybe I’ve just described my journey right there, but you get the picture.
Those who would benefit the most just don’t see themselves as runners. As someone with neurodevelopmental challenges resulting in social anxiety, self-doubt and, at times, a lack of motivation I totally understand some of the many barriers we face, and that’s where the idea for Heads for Trails came from.
I wanted to create something that would introduce people to the joys of movement through nature, and create a safe, worry-free, supportive environment where people could learn the skills needed to confidently embark upon their own adventures so that they too might better manage their mental wellbeing.
Heads for Trails offer group coaching in efficient, mindful running technique. It’s OK to stop and admire the view – in fact, we encourage it! It’s all about the ‘moment’. We don’t care about pace or distance. We just want you to get out there with confidence, and play with it.’
Tim, founder.
There is a well-established link between socioeconomic background and mental wellbeing, with those at the lower end of the wealth scale being more likely to suffer from some form of mental health issue at some point in their lives. That’s why we aim to connect with other organisations so that we can help with things like transport and kit.
We like to think we can draw from our lived experience to help better understand specific needs, and allay fears regarding participation. We are not medical professionals or counsellors; we’re just runners with our own personal stories who want to share what has helped us.
If you have a specific need or concern, do get in touch and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Our 8-week programme is free, and places are available through our referral scheme. We help fund this by organising themed walking events and other related activities. If you would like to support our programme by participating in the themed walks, see our current list of activities.
Heads for Trails was set up as a Community Interest Company. That means we are classed as a ‘not for profit’ organisation. It’s not quite the same as a charity but it does mean that the money we make goes back into benefitting those who use our services. It also means that we don’t own the company. We created the company which employs us, and it’s our aim that Heads for Trails will continue to run long after we’ve hung up our running shoes. It was founded as a self-sustaining enterprise.
Although the running programme is limited to 8 weeks, it doesn’t end there. A crucial element to continued support is the availability of an online forum with access restricted to those on the referral scheme, and membership doesn’t end when the programme does. The idea was to create a social space that encourages peer support. A place for folk to connect before the start of the programme, and to foster those connections afterwards.
In addition, we will organise social runs. These will be relaxed, informal events that are open to everyone. You just turn up at a given time and place, and take it at your own pace.
We aim to work with and promote organisations whose ethics are a good fit with ours regarding welfare and environmental sustainability. For example, the platform we use for ticket sales is a B Corp. We rent our office from another local social enterprise.
We hope to encourage personal environmental responsibility through education about the natural environment, and how we interact within it so we can reduce our impact. We promote the reduction of waste by encouraging the reusing, repairing, and repurposing of running kit – anything to keep it from landfill. We’d love to work with initiatives that share our values (if this is you, please do get in touch).
Registered Company Number: 15980216
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