Via gets active for mental health

 

Staff and volunteers from across Via gave their wellbeing a boost by taking part in our inaugural 5K Walk/Run for Mental Health last weekend. 

The idea first came from our fantastic mental health first aiders but was embraced by people in different teams and services. Three separate events took place at the same time on the same day in Cheshire, Gloucestershire and London. 

Everyone involved was keen to promote the importance of people focusing on their own mental health, how the benefits of physical activity can positively impact how we all feel, and also getting together and having some fun! 

The event organisers, Michelle and Aman, shared their experiences of the day in London: 

“We had a fantastic day in Burgess Park. All who took part seemed to enjoy the day a lot, with some running and others walking the 5K in the beautiful surroundings. After completing the 5K, we stayed behind and sat around a table outside the cafe, enjoying a cup of coffee/tea chatting away about how well everyone did and how much fun the whole day was. Plenty of smiles and a recognition how important days like this are to mental health and wellbeing.” Michelle from our Property Team 

“I think everyone participated for the 5K walk/run appears to have enjoyed it. The park is very convenient and nice for a 5K walk or run; it has a beautiful lake with ducks. There were big smiles particularly when we sat by the café and chatting, which I think is so important for mental health and wellbeing.” Aman from our Finance Team 

Jenni from Via Gloucestershire told us about their local event in Cheltenham: “We had a beautiful autumnal day in Pittville Park for a walk/run around the lakes. We had some people walk and talk their way round and others took to running the scenic loop. Afterwards for people able to stay we enjoyed coffee and cake in the sunshine. A thoroughly enjoyable event bringing many people together who normally wouldn’t get the chance to just chat.” 

Jane from Via New Beginnings in Cheshire West and Chester said: “Our staff and volunteers took part in the mental health 5K run/walk at Delamere Forest. The day went well, the weather stayed dry and at the end we all had a coffee together.  One staff member said wish they could do more of these walks.” 

Other colleagues also shared: 

“This was such a lovely and important event to be part of – our first mental health and wellbeing awareness raising cross-organisational event…getting together socially with colleagues and friends from Via, all with the same value and aim of mental wellbeing and connection. It didn’t matter if we were running or walking or just being there.  It was simply wonderful and I’m looking forward to more events like these.”  Stacey from the Learning and Development Team 

“I loved being a part of this 5K walk, being with a wider Via work family really did put a great big smile on my face. For such a great awareness day, I felt connected with my colleagues, chatted and laughed lots while getting some exercise at the same time. This really did make me feel valued and such a friend group of amazing people. I’m looking forward to being a part of more events to come” Jean from Subwize 

“It was great! Hopefully we can do another one soon!” Liz from the People Team 

Congratulations to everyone who took part and a special thank you to all the local leads who help to coordinate this Via-wide event!