Parkrun's Prescription for Mental Health

In honour of #WorldMentalHealthDay , we thought it was only right to highlight one of our recent favourite OOH campaigns for this week’s #FridayAd.

Mental health and maintaining it can look different for everyone. Something that has become even more evident for us since supporting men’s mental health charity - Man Club Jersey .

Having said that, one thing that appears as a common theme throughout mental health recovery, is exercise.

The majority of the team are avid runners here at Brand Champions, so much so that we’re even debating the Santa Fun Run this December (some of us are more keen than others on this idea, as you can imagine).

Which is why we’re even bigger fans of this parkrun campaign by Meanwhile .

Starting in 2004 with just 13 friends in London, Parkrun has since grown into a global event with millions of participants.

To promote the benefits of running for mental wellness, the charity has unveiled a series of posters resembling a doctor’s prescription note.

The campaign highlights how Parkrun has the support of a Royal College of General Practitioners initiative to prescribe its events to patients. GPs report that Parkrun has significantly helped patients with anxiety, depression, and other conditions.

James Cross , Chief Creative Officer at Meanwhile, notes, “Many people may not realise how truly transformative participating in your local Parkrun can be.”

“From helping with mental health to reducing social isolation and improving physical health too, the societal benefits are huge. So, it’s with great pride and importance that we’re able to help the charity get this brilliant story out into the world.”

As seen with many successful OOH campaigns, simplicity is key. This campaign is a powerful reminder of the positive impact that community and exercise can have on mental health.

Why not check out the campaign and join the Parkrun movement? We might even see you at the Santa Fun Run!