Why Run Talk Run needs your help
Run Talk Run is a community that supports thousands of runners all around the world with their mental health. Community is at the heart of what we do, people supporting people, with the purpose of creating accessible spaces for open, honest conversations about mental health.
Until now, Run Talk Run (RTR) has been funded by donations from Happy to Talk, Impact Marathons, the sale of apparel, with the difference coming from founder Jess Robson's personal funds. In order for RTR to continue doing its great work, we need more diverse, and sustainable income streams and that's where you come in.
Why does RTR need funds? Isn't it free to run?
There are some elements of Run Talk Run that have zero financial overheads. Running is free, and our leaders are all volunteers, however, in order for RTR to continue to grow and support more people, we need to be able to invest time and money into that growth.
Donations to RTR will be spent on:
- supporting RTR leaders – including providing them with mental health first aid training, onboarding training, Leader in Running Fitness training, ongoing support throughout their journey as a run leader, and providing subsidised merchandise
- supporting RTR runners – including injury prevention, RTR running and non-running community events
- promoting RTR (Growing our community) – reaching new people through creating posters, leaflets, social media campaigns and website maintenance
- developing fundraising opportunities – including seeking sponsors, funding and exploring possible income streams
- operational upkeep of RTR – including liaising with mycrew, leaders, runners and the wider RTR community, writing policies to ensure the safety of our runners, and liaising with social prescribers and other mental health services.
Why are we asking now?
Although we are currently not running in 'real life', due to Covid-19, we have seen how our community have stepped-up to support one another in alternative ways. It’s been heartwarming and inspiring to see, and has led us to think about the future of Run Talk Run; how we can develop, reach more people and be an even better movement to be a part of. We've got big ambitions, and big plans, but we can't do it without support.
What's in it for me?
As a supporting member of RTR, you are allowing us to support more people with their mental health. Your runs will continue, and we'll keep hosting free workshops and events.
As well as that, as a RTR supporter, you will receive:
- 20% off RTR merch
- Discounts with RTR partners (sports massage/physio/running coaching)
Why are you asking for monthly support rather than one-off donations?
We need to be able to cover our costs on an ongoing basis, to ensure consistent, sustainable delivery of runs, initiatives and the associated operational admin that goes with running 85 local events every week . One-off donations are of course so appreciated and welcome, however they are just that, one-off. We need to be able to know we're going to be able to meet all of our costs of delivery on an ongoing basis in order to fulfil our purpose of bringing accessible, unintimidating mental health support to a place near you.
What are Run Talk Run's plans for the future?
The number one goal for RTR is to continue making seeking mental health support less intimidating and more accessible.
To do this we will be recruiting new run leaders, supporting them to set up new runs, and offering our runners more opportunities to get more from RTR. The big benefits of a better funded RTR are the things we can do to connect and learn from each other; more people, more conversations, more events, more value for you, our community.
Is a monthly donation the only way to support RTR?
By being part of the Run Talk Run community, you are helping RTR exist, and you are helping us flourish and grow. We thank you for that.
Run Talk Run is free and will continue to be free for our runners and leaders, and we don't want anyone to feel under pressure to contribute financially. If you don't want to donate for whatever reason, there are other ways you can help. We need:
- Your time: do you have a particular skill that you are able to offer RTR? Do you want to become a leader? Or perhaps you might be able to contribute to our blog, podcast, offer workshops for the community, or support for our leaders?
- Fundraising: Are you planning on running a race sometime soon? If you choose to raise money for RTR through a race, we will be able to support you with a RTR T Shirt/Vest to train in, and share your efforts with our community
- Sponsorship: Does the company you work for support initiatives such as RTR? Could you help us find more sponsors?
Over the past 2.5 years we have been so proud to see the evolution of RTR from one run in London, to 85 locations. 85 little families of runners who come together, consistently, to show each other they care. We care so much, about the leaders, about the runners and about the people who need us but haven’t found us yet. Let’s be there for each other, always.