GUELPH – Kelly Legge, executive director of Up and Running Guelph said that for her, “Up and Running is more than a walking or running program, it is a community that inspires, connects, and builds resilience.”
Legge said that registration has skyrocketed since the first program was introduced in 2016. Last year they had over 370 program registrations; a 64.5 per cent increase from pre-pandemic numbers.
“With growing mental health crisis and overwhelming demands for metal health care services over the past few years, we have seen a trend in people turning to community-based programs to provide mental health support,” Legge said.
Referred to as “the loneliness epidemic,” feelings of loneliness and isolation have a significant impact on the health and well-being of community members. Legge said Up and Running plans to respond to the epidemic by implementing Student Wellness and Workplace Wellness programs, and by expanding their services outside of Guelph.
Currently, Up and Running is volunteer based, with one full-time staff member.
“These expansion plans are dependent on securing additional funding and volunteers,” Legge said.
“Thank you for everything you have done for me and all the other members. You got us outside and we were accountable to one another and made friendships we still have today. Healing together or even just understanding each other just because we know what it’s like – no judgement. It makes an enormous difference when you feel so alone.” – 2023 Up and Running participant
To donate, volunteer or participate, go to www.upandrunningguelph.ca
