"We're here for anyone who needs us". Leeds running groups join forces to offer fresh air and friendship.
Two Leeds running groups which are working hard to create a sense of community for local people recently joined forces. The aim was to remind the people of Leeds and surrounding areas that exercise, community, and friendship are always available, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Recovery Runners is a running group set up by Leeds lads Dean Smith and Jamie Heselden, who found that running helped them in their journey of recovery from alcoholism. It's now offering a safe space for people from all backgrounds to get a workout in, something its members say has been life-changing.
One member, Charlotte, started attending Recovery Runners when living with an eating disorder. In her first year, she lost seven stone in weight and went from struggling to run the shortest distances to completing her first marathon. The week before she attended she had applied for weight reduction surgery, and was contemplating suicide. She has credited the group with saving her life.
Keen to get the word out to other community organisations, the group reached out to Come Outside CIC, co-founded by Jovanni Sterling, aka Graft, who won BBC Three's Rap Game UK, and Robert Lattibeaudiere. Like Recovery Runners, it aims to encourage people from all walks of life to reap the benefits of the outdoors in an effort to improve their mental health and meet new friends. It also offers outdoor activities that people from inner city areas such as Harehills, Seacroft, and Gipton don’t always have access to.
The two organisations have now joined forces twice, at Recovery Runners HQ - Reynolds Amateur Boxing Club in Halton Moor - and Come Outside’s Saturday run from Oakwood Clock. Running together was a chance for the founders to use each other’s platforms to highlight their respective work and share good practice, but also for members to connect and share their stories.
Recovery Runners founders Dean and Jamie said: "We'd encourage anyone wanting to exercise in a non-judgemental environment, or anyone working in recovery and mental health services in and around Leeds, to find out more about both groups. The sense of belonging and empowerment we offer is truly magical and it's hugely gratifying when we see how it can transform lives."
“We see ourselves as communities rather than clubs - it’s all about support not pressure. At Recovery Runners we're building the plane as we're flying it as we strive for CIC status, but we know it's leading us somewhere we can scale up, elevate, and ultimately make a difference to more marginalised people.”
"We're here for anyone who needs us."
Follow Recovery Runners on Facebook by searching "Recovery Runners Community - public page"