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Emma Basset has been a postie and CWU member, for some 11 years. She is a young woman who is also a Mental Health First Aider, busy helping to raise funds for a children's charity, Claire House and whilst doing so she says she is also helping her own mental health through being so active. Emma told Unionsafety: "This year in January I decided to try and complete the 'Couch to 5k Programme'. It was whilst doing this I found a love for running. I also found it was a great release from a mental health prospective. Luckily I don't suffer from mental health issues, however I am a mental heath first aider so have witnessed the highs and lows that some people go through on a daily basis. I recommend the couch to 5k to anyone I am helping. Or if they don't like running, some other form of exercise they will enjoy. Emma's viewe of Claire House Children’s Hospice is spot on. They help seriously & terminally ill children live life to the full, creating wonderful memories & bringing back a sense of normality to family life. Through specialist nursing & emotional support Claire House helps families smile when life couldn’t get any tougher. Emma is only £15 away from her target, so let's get her past that and well beyond by sponsoring her even with just £1, by clicking on the image below: As Emma says, research shows that physical activity can also boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as helping to reduce stress levels, and help with depression, anxiety and help to reduce risk of dementia and even help to combat the developement of Alzheimer's disease. The plan involves 3 runs a week, with a day of rest in between, and a different schedule for each of the 9 weeks. The benefits were obvious to Emma when she started it, and as someone without serious mental health issues, even she noticed the boost she felt in her own well-being after completing the course. You can find out more about the 'Couch To 5K Programme' and other activities here Source: unionsafety / Emma Bassett / Claire House / NHS
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