Mary's Volunteering Story: Continuing a Legacy of Care
Mary spent almost 30 years as a mental health and learning disability nurse at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. Her passion for mental health care didn’t stop when she retired. Instead, she continued her commitment by volunteering, particularly at the weekly parkrun event held at Bethlem Royal Hospital.
"Parkrun is a community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer, or spectate," Mary explains. "It’s 5k and takes place every Saturday morning at 9am in the grounds of the hospital. I am a staunch supporter of parkrun because I believe in the power of exercise and the outdoors to have a positive impact on wellbeing and recovery."
Promoting Inclusivity and Wellbeing
Mary is deeply passionate about the inclusivity of parkrun. "Everyone is welcome to a parkrun event," she says.
This is important to me because through these events, we can help tackle the stigma that exists around mental illness. I also like the fact that it is completely free to take part, making it inclusive for everyone.
A key feature of Bethlem’s parkrun is the tea and coffee break at the Tuk Inn café afterward. "This social aspect helps to foster a sense of community, which is another key factor to boost wellbeing," Mary adds.
A Day in the Life of a Parkrun Volunteer
Mary's role as a parkrun volunteer involves various tasks. "There are numerous volunteering roles including Car Park Marshal, Field Marshal, Course Risk Assessor, Pre-event Setup, Timekeeper, Barcode Scanner, Finish Token Sorter, and Tail Walker," she says.
All the volunteer roles are enjoyable and easy to fulfil.
The most important task is to welcome participants and provide them with information to ensure a safe and positive experience. "This might be simple things like giving information about where to park, or where to find toilets," Mary explains. "We also share information about the hospital, including the Bethlem Museum of the Mind and Bethlem Gallery."
Despite the rewarding nature of her volunteer work, Mary has faced challenges, particularly with the weather. "Bethlem parkrun is scheduled to take place every Saturday at 9am, regardless of the weather. I have found it challenging on a few occasions to be out in the very cold and wet weather," she says. "In the summer, we have trouble with insect bites, but we have overcome these problems with appropriate clothing and insect repellent."
Making a Difference in the Lives of Others
Since its launch in May 2019, Bethlem parkrun has made a significant impact. "We have organised 183 events, and 4,887 people have completed Bethlem parkrun with 364 people volunteering," Mary shares.
Bethlem parkrun supports the service user running group in the Anxiety Disorders Unit by making donations of good quality running equipment.
Speaking on service user participation, Mary adds. "We do not expect that anyone who joins the parkrun identifies themselves as a service user, but we know that some current and ex-service users do join us," she says. "They can be assured that they are treated the same as everyone else, with a warm welcome and support to do the best that they can on the day."
Personal Growth Through Volunteering
Through her volunteering experience, Mary has learned a lot about herself and the importance of mental health. "I have learned that small acts of kindness go a long way," she reflects.
By helping others, I have felt good about my contribution to this great initiative. Being in the fresh air, getting some exercise, and helping others flourish boosts my mental health—what’s not to love about Bethlem parkrun?
If you are inspired by Mary's story and would like to join our team of dedicated volunteers, find out more about our volunteering opportunities on our Volunteering page.
