News and events

It’s just over a year now since we launched the I’m here campaign, which sees jog leaders trained in mental health awareness, with the help of partners SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health). Leaders who’ve been trained are given the I’m here badge to wear to jog sessions, to indicate to their members that they’re happy to chat about mental health and wellbeing. We’re delighted to say that the number of jog leaders trained has now passed 700 – an incredible figure! That includes existing leaders who have opted to take the online module, and those who are newly-qualified, who now take it as a mandatory part of their jog leader training. Huge thanks to everyone who has really embraced the I’m here movement – you’re making a real difference!

You might remember from our last edition that Bob Strathie, who won Achiever of the Year Award at our annual awards, was sadly unable to attend the awards ceremony in Glasgow. We’re delighted to say that his jog leader Caroline Ness, who attended on his behalf, was able to present it to him at home at a wee surprise celebration organised by his family (pictured). Bob joined FIT Together’s beginner jogging group a year ago at the age of 71 – having never been a runner before. A real inspiration to anyone who thinks they’re too old to start running!

You might have noticed a wee change to the title of the jog leader course recently. We’re now calling the course and qualification Leadership in Running Fitness, or LiRF (pronounced ‘Lerf’). There have been no significant changes other than the name – the equivalent course elsewhere in the UK has always been called LiRF and this just makes things run a little smoother administratively. People who complete the course will continue to be known as jog leaders.

We marked Time to Talk Day on 6 February, a day when people are encouraged to talk about mental health. Our mascot Jog Scotty visited Tullos Primary School in Aberdeen to promote the physical and mental health benefits of exercise in young people, and also dropped in on Torry jogscotland to help get people chatting (pictured with jog leaders Laura Cummings and Fiona Allan). Our project worker Laura Kirkland visited the jog group at Dundee International Women’s Centre (see p21) for a blether, too.

The jogscotland development officer, Jo Stevens, is currently on maternity leave. During her leave, queries should be addressed as follows – see p3 for contact details. • General enquiries, including Jog Scotty’s diary, campaign activities, I’m here – Laura Kirkland.

• Course booking and leader licence enquiries – Angie Sutherland • Social media and Stride enquiries – Sue Gyford • Membership renewals, changes and login issues – Carol Robison.

The Annual NorthEast jogscotland Quiz Night took place on 21 February, and it was a close-run contest! The night, organised by jog leader Alan Millar, was won by just half a mark, with victors Westhill Wonders (above) asking that the £730 raised on the night be donated to the Gathimba Edwards Foundation.

Jog leaders from Fife got together on 8 February at a special meet-up arranged by Ready, Steady, Go Pitreavie. Nearly 30 leaders from Jogscotland Dunfermline, Jogscotland Dalgety Bay, Jogscotland Cowdenbeath, STAART, Get Fit Falkland, Kick-Start at Calaismuir, Lang Toun Joggers, Anster Allsorts and Ready, Steady, Go Pitreavie attended. The day kicked off in Pitreavie AAC clubhouse, with leaders introducing their groups and giving an overview of one favourite session they use with their joggers. There was a presentation on social media, and a practical session in the Pitreavie Indoor Athletics Centre. Organiser Nicola Moriarty said: “Having attended the jog leader conference in November, I was keen to network with other local groups and find out some new ideas for sessions. We are also keen to promote activity across Fife, and by supporting and promoting all jogscotland groups in the local area, this will help achieve our goal”.