“Social prescribing is fundamental to delivering the prevention agenda in Wales… Park life!”
Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to attend an event at the Senedd hosted by Parkrun Wales, celebrating everyone who’s helped to make it such a success since it came to Wales in 2008 – the participants, coordinators, race directors and – most importantly – the volunteers.
Parkrun has grown significantly since arriving in Wales and there are now over 300,000 registered members supported by over 1,200 volunteers every week.
88 runs have now been established in all corners of Wales, with ambitions to increase this to over 100, meaning there are opportunities for everyone to enjoy Parkrun within their communities, whether they’re running or walking, volunteering or simply spectating.
The older people I spoke with at the event told me that participating in Parkrun as runners gave them a great sense of achievement, alongside improving their health and wellbeing – particularly for one lady who had returned to her local Parkrun after having a pacemaker fitted. They also said that Parkrun is welcoming for people of all ages, with a real focus on accessibility and inclusivity.
That’s probably why Parkrun Global has seen registrations from people aged 70+ increase so rapidly around the world.
It was also clear to see the huge dedication and commitment from Parkrun volunteers – many of whom are older people – whose hard work ensures that events can take place week in week out to support all of the runners, whether they’re there for participation and social connection, or to chase a personal best.
One of the organisers at the event said that alongside improving physical and mental health Parkrun is about ‘connection, belonging and creating happier, healthier and connected communities’ and this really came through in the conversations I had on the day.
As Parkrun has become an increasingly common fixture in communities across Wales, so too have partnerships and collaborations with the groups and organisations within those communities, and it was really interesting to learn more about some this innovative work during the event.
For example, Wales is the only place where Parkrun is collaborating with health boards (Aneurin Bevan and Cardiff & Vale), encouraging participation amongst staff with the aim of supporting pathways for patients.
Similar workplace collaboration is also in development with Cardiff Council, while the ‘Parkrun Practices’ partnership with the Royal College of GPs encourages GP surgeries to connect patients with local events.
There are also partnerships with third sector organisations – including Mind, Macmillan Cancer, Alzheimer’s Society, Diabetes, Asthma and Lung UK (Wales) – raising awareness about key issues and signposting participants to information and support should they need it.
The event at the Senedd was held in the same week as National Social Prescribing day, which highlights the importance of community-based activities in supporting people’s health and wellbeing beyond traditional medical care.
And it was easy to see how Parkrun – with its strong, sustainable, volunteer-led community-based networks and extensive reach – plays a key role in this, as well as supporting the wider prevention agenda in Wales.
Find a Parkrun event near you
