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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.

After graduating from the programme back in March, I have continued to run and have put myself in for the Port Sunlight 10k on 9th June. I'm raising money for Claire House Hospice which is an amazing charity that helps terminally ill children live out their dreams. I am hoping to raise as much money as possible for them.

Thank you to all who are able to sponsor me."

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 'Couch to 5K' is a running plan for absolute beginners. It was developed by a new runner, Josh Clark, who wanted to help his 50-something mum get off the couch and start running, too.

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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