Being involved with running and multisports, whether as a volunteer or participant, can have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing of a person.  According to the NHS, 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity every week can boost your mood, in addition it can help to reduce stress.

If you are experiencing mental health and wellbeing problems or know of someone who is struggling, there are a variety of places to go for support.

Samaritans - 116 123 for free - 24/7 other ways to contact 

Samaritans provide confidential, non-judgemental support for anyone who is struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen to them.  Samaritans are not just there for the moment of crisis, but they are there to give people ways to cope.

Mind Support Line - 0300 102 1234 - 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays)

It is a safe space for you to talk about your mental health to advisors who are trained to listen to you and help you find specialist support if you need it.

SANEline - 0300 304 7000 - 4.30pm–10pm every day

SANEline is a national out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers.

National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK - 0800 689 5652 - 6pm to midnight every day

Offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide.

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - 0800 58 58 58 - 5pm–midnight every day

A suicide prevention helpline for anyone affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts.  If you prefer not to speak on the phone, you could try the CALM webchat service.

Shout - text SHOUT to 85258 - 24/7

If you would prefer not to talk, but want some mental health support, Shout offers a confidential text service providing support if you are in crisis and need immediate help.

Papyrus HOPELINEUK - 0800 068 4141 - 24/7

A UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people, 35 years and younger.

Nightline - see the website to find your local Nightline

Nightline offers a unique listening service, providing emotional support and information to students across the country. It’s the only service of its kind dedicated to students in higher and further education. Run by students, volunteers ensure every student has the opportunity to talk about their feelings in a safe, non-judgemental environment.

Switchboard - 0800 0119100 -10am–10pm every day

Switchboard is the national LGBTQIA+ support line, for anyone, at any point in their journey.  You can discuss anything related to sexuality and gender identity.  Whether it's sexual health, relationships or just the way you're feeling.

Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247 - 24/7

Provides a helpline and support to help victims of domestic abuse.

Local Support for Mental Health

Bedfordshire Talking Therapies 

Provides help to people aged 18 and over who are experiencing common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety disorders. The service offers Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and a range relational therapy modalities through individual or group sessions.  You can self-refer by calling 01234 880400 or by completing this form.

MIND BLMK Recovery Lounge in Bedford - 5pm to 11pm on their dedicated day

All adults can access the Recovery Lounges to aid in their mental health recovery, help prevent their mental health worsening or seek support if experiencing severe mental distress.  You do not need an appointment for these services and can just “drop-in” whenever you feel the need for support.  Our local Recovery Lounges are:

Thursday: Bedford Wellbeing Centre, 3A Woburn Road, Bedford MK40 1EG

Sunday: Florence Ball House, Bedford Health Village, 3 Kimbolton Road, Bedford, MK40 2NX

The Queensway Clinic, MK2 2TE - this is open 365 days a year between 5pm and 11pm.

Bedford Borough Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub - 

If you are needing to support a child or young person with their mental wellbeing then the hub is packed full of resources (including videos) and contact information for both local and national support services.

Carers in Bedfordshire - 0300 111 1919

This service offers a range of support for unpaid carers of all ages.