Elgin Jog Scotland is to take part in a national initiative to encourage people to feel comfortable opening up about their mental health and wellbeing. The group, which meets at Moray Leisure Centre on Thursdays is taking part in jogscotland’s new project, Sammy’s Road Trip.
The road trip will see three wee toy Scotty dogs, Sammy, Agnes and Lee, visiting jogscotland groups around the country between May and October 2018. The dogs represent physical and mental wellbeing, a symbol of the partnership that exists between jogscotland and SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health). They will make their way from group to group, finishing back at jogscotland HQ in Edinburgh in time for World Mental Health Day in October.
Every group that hosts Sammy, Agnes, or Lee will use the dog’s visit as a starting point to introduce a session focusing on mental health and wellbeing. Each group will then post details of their session, with photos of members with the dogs, on social media for jogscotland members countrywide to see. You can follow along at www.facebook.com/SammysRoadTrip.
Each dog arrives at the group with a toolkit containing several ideas for sessions. Elgin Jog Scotland have decided to host sessions to get people talking about mental wellbeing
Jog Leader Karen Gerrie said: ” We were delighted to get involved in this initiative as it can affect anyone at any point in their life. Anything that helps to break down the barriers and stigma of mental health issues is worth doing. All our leaders get mental health training and access to information to support and encourage individuals attending our sessions”
jogscotland is Scotland’s recreational running network, with around 400 supportive, sociable jogging groups, suitable for everyone from complete beginners to seasoned runners.
The organisation’s membership development officer Jo Stevens said: “We’re delighted that Elgin Jog Scotland taking part in Sammy’s Road Trip. Exercise is a great way to improve your wellbeing, especially if you’re getting active in a group, making new friends and being inspired by your fellow members.
“We hope the session will give everyone the chance to chat about what improves their wellbeing, and to let the population of Scotland see that jogscotland and SAMH are working together to reduce barriers to participation in physical activity, and also to challenge stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health.”
