WeMovin ‘Mind Over Miles’…from start to finish line!

This week we were excited to talk with one of our newest community partners, WeMovin, to learn about their mission and inspired plans for the year ahead…

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Who are WeMovin?
WeMovin is a growing movement built around connection and community. What started as a few mates meeting up to run on Sunday mornings has become a platform to empower young people through movement, mindset and creative self-expression.  Personally, keeping fit and healthy has been my hobby since about the age of 18 when I moved away for University. I wanted to channel all my energy and time into something beneficial. One of my best friends and house mates (Louis) dragged me to a local park run one weekend. From there he convinced me to sign up to Leeds Half Marathon, which was in 6 months’ time, so I had no choice but to start training! 

The run club started in the Summer of 2024, when a few of us were feeling a bit stuck, both physically and mentally. We decided to see how many people we could get together for a 5km run one Sunday morning. There was no grand plan at first. It was just about getting moving, holding each other accountable and doing something positive. We quickly realised the power in that simple act – showing up, running together, talking, laughing, and building routine. It felt good. And slowly, more people started coming along. Some we knew, others were total strangers, but every week, the group grew, and with it came a real sense of purpose.

Today, everything we do is designed to bring people together in a way that feels inclusive, positive and real. It’s still about those Sunday mornings — but it’s also so much more now.

How and why has fitness been important when managing your own mental health, and supporting others?
For me, fitness has always been a form of therapy, it’s a way to clear my head and take control of my routine. It becomes more than a healthy habit – a mindset and lifestyle. I’ve learned a lot about myself through it; the discipline of showing up even when you don’t feel like it, the space it gives you to process things and the confidence that grows over time, but one of the most powerful things I’ve experienced is the connection it creates with others.

A perfect example of this was running the Leeds Half Marathon, especially the first one I ever did. Going into it I didn’t know what to expect. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel, how I’d perform or whether I even really belonged at an event like that. As soon as we started everything changed. The atmosphere, the crowds, the energy. It was incredible! You don’t have to be a professional or an elite runner to feel the support. Everyone gets cheered. Strangers call out, clap for you and will you on.  By the time you cross that finish line it’s not just about the achievement, it’s the whole experience. That kind of moment sticks with you. It reminded me that fitness isn’t just physical, it’s emotional, communal and deeply human.

And honestly, that same feeling applies to every run or workout, not just races. That post-run buzz, the proud feeling, the little win…it never really leaves. That’s why I love it. That’s why we push it with WeMovin. It’s not just about getting fit, it’s about feeling good and helping others feel the same.  There are always going to be physical benefits, but it’s the social side — the conversations, the laughs, and the support — that really makes the difference. That’s the kind of environment we’re trying to create: one where fitness helps people feel seen, heard, and supported.

What motivated you to support Manchester Mind this Summer?
Manchester Mind stood out to us because of how deeply rooted they are in the community. Mental health affects all of us in different ways and knowing that Manchester Mind offers accessible support across the city made it a no-brainer. We want to use our Summer event on (August (which I’ll talk about next) to give back, raise awareness and spark real conversations. It was important to partner with a local charity that aligns with our values – Manchester Mind does that brilliantly, it just made perfect sense.

How will the charity relationship make a difference to WeMovin, the local community and beyond?
This partnership feels like a bridge, a chance to connect generations and experiences. While our main audience started as young adults, we want to show that anyone can feel inspired at any age, it’s never too late to shift your mindset.

The charity collaboration is a chance for WeMovin to grow not just in numbers, but in purpose. Our upcoming community day ‘Mind Over Miles’ at Bolton Arena on Saturday 9 August is in aid of Manchester Mind.  Twelve runners (including myself) are taking part in an epic 8-hour relay run from 10am-6pm, which will be a real test of mindset and community spirit.

It’s also more than a sponsored run. We’re creating a full day of good vibes; we’ve invited local health and wellbeing organisations, food vendors and creative social enterprises to showcase what they do. Manchester Mind will be there, as well as the FA supporting with their own Talent ID games. There’ll be live DJs, family-friendly activities and an atmosphere that reflects what WeMovin is all about — connection, positivity and movement for a greater cause. By raising money and awareness on this day, we hope to not only support the brilliant work Manchester Mind does, but also bring people together in a way that’s fun, meaningful and lasting.

For the community, it’s a day where anyone can come down and feel part of something bigger knowing that their presence contributes to a meaningful cause. And finally, for young people who might not always feel heard, it’s a way to say: you matter — and support is out there.

What is the most important thing you’ve learnt so far?
When you give people space to connect – without judgement, pressure, or expectation – amazing things happen. We’ve seen people we barely knew, people we lost touch with and many others step into their own power and become the heroes of their own story. Sometimes that change comes through fitness, but often it’s the confidence and momentum we carry into our lives afterwards. We’ve learnt that community isn’t about big numbers or perfect plans, it’s about showing up, staying consistent and creating an environment where people can grow. That’s the foundation we keep coming back to.

Any final thoughts?
If there’s one thing I’d want people to take from this, it’s that movement and mental health go hand-in-hand, and you don’t need to be an athlete to get involved! Whether you’re walking, running, volunteering, or just showing up to support, you’re part of the change. This Summer “Mind Over Miles” is a celebration of that belief and we’d love for as many people as possible to be part of it.

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Our thanks to Harry, Michael and everyone at WeMovin for their outstanding commitment in making a real difference in the community and to our local mental health services.

To find out more about WeMovin visit https://wemovinbusiness
To support the run club in aid of Manchester Mind please go to https://www.justgiving.com/team/wemovin-mindovermiles

WeMovin Run Club presents ‘Mind over Miles’
Saturday 9 August 2025, 10am-6pm
Bolton Arena, BL6 6LB
Entry Fee: Adults £1, Children Under 18s Free