Jess Robson: Establishing Run Talk Run and managing mental health

1 Aug

In 2017, Jess founded Run Talk Run, which provides opportunities for people to talk about mental health whilst running.

With now a global community of 100+ runs in locations across the world, we talk to Jess about how it all began, building a following, and what's next. It's not all about social media, it's about community.

Where did it all start for Run Talk Run?

Run Talk Run was driven by my own experiences of mental ill health, and my ongoing struggle to open up and be vulnerable in a more formal therapeutic environment. I knew that running was becoming an outlet where I felt more able to share what was really going on for me, and so upon seeing that this running/talking space did not already exist I decided to create it myself. To get a solid group of people together to run with me consistently, weekly, I soon realised I was going to HAVE to reach beyond my own friendship groups and contacts. I asked Instagram to put the idea of “Run Talk Run” out to their friends, and I soon acquired my first regular runner! Over the first few months, I threw myself wholeheartedly into getting RTR "seen" in the local area. Partnering with other mental health organisations and being consistent with social media updates seemed to be the most effective forms of promotion!

How do you manage your own mental health when growing a network of supporting others?

It took a lot of time and practise! What really helped was that I knew in my heart of hearts that what Run Talk Run was offering was pure and it was accessible, and it wasn't for personal gain. In the first few months of creating RTR, about 50% of the time I would have no attendees at all and I took that rejection to heart. The only thing that made it possible for me to withstand the knockbacks week on week was believing at my very core that what I was offering could help someone, and the day that I "give up" could be the day that someone really needs a RTR. In the end, the resilience I built from putting myself in that position every week to experience a possible knock to my self esteem actually became one of the most important elements to my recovery from depression. The biggest learning curve for me has been to separate my own identity from RTRs identity... it's an ongoing journey, but I'm finding that it helps me cope with the setbacks. It's not personal.

What do you find works well in connecting with, and growing your audience?

I think when you're still an organisation as young as Run Talk Run (3 years old!) there is good reason to say "YES" to any PR that's offered... be that magazine articles, podcast interviews, talks. Particularly in the first year of RTR, I threw myself wholeheartedly into making sure that every single person who crossed my path would walk away knowing what RTR is all about. Word of mouth was the most important means of connecting with potential participants. Runners who come along to RTR and have a nourishing, good time will naturally want to bring their friend or colleague along if they feel they could benefit from our support too. Of course, social media has helped us reach a bigger audience geographically, too.

What was has been your "I can't believe that just happened" moment?

There have been so many milestones along the way. I cried my eyes out when we were offered a bag drop location for our first RTR, and I cried when I came off the phone to the lady who wanted to set up a RTR in Peterborough (the first run outside of London). Then there have been other milestones. Our first birthday 5km and picnic in Hyde Park felt huge for me! Then there was our first run outside of the UK, giving a talk at the National Running Show... they all bring on some incredible feelings.

There is now also Walk Talk Walk, is that where your focus is next or are there other avenues you'd like to explore?

We have indeed just launched Walk Talk Walk and I would love to see more groups being set up throughout the UK and beyond. Aiming for a Run Talk Run in every county in the UK and every state in the US! Aside from that we are indeed working with the Active Partnerships throughout the country and the local Mind Hubs too! We're always up for further partnerships and collaborations so if you're reading this thinking you've got something that could work - reach out!

As well as RTR, are there other organisations, and support groups that you'd recommend?

100%! Mental Health Swims are a really exciting organisation offering group meets throughout the UK. "Shout" are probably the best text helpline service I've heard of if you need some immediate support. "Brother" is a new support group for men so I'd highly recommend.

Thanks Jess! What you’ve setup is incredible! Can’t wait to see what happens next…