Trafford Talking Therapies and Sale Central Primary Care Network celebrate 78 years of the NHS by taking on Sale Water parkrun
On Saturday 4 July 2026, staff, patients and families from Trafford Talking Therapies and Sale Central Primary Care Network (PCN) - a network of five local GP surgeries – came together to celebrate 78 years of the NHS by taking on Sale Water parkrun.
The event saw a brilliant turnout with over 260 staff and members of the community joining in, with some being first timers at any parkrun event.
Some ran, some walked, and everyone cheered each other on in a wonderful display of camaraderie and community spirit.
Dr Simon Tobin, GP and parkrun Ambassador for Health and Wellbeing, said:
“It was wonderful to see parkrun UK’s new Health and Inclusion strategy in action today at Sale Water Park parkrun. Sale (Central) Primary Care Network and the Trafford NHS Talking Therapy team are doing some great work to link local GP practices, mental health services, their staff and patients to parkruns in the area.
“I’ve seen first-hand the impact that volunteering, walking, jogging and running at parkrun can have on people’s mental and physical health. We have a fantastic opportunity to use parkrun, a free, community asset, to make a positive difference to the lives and health of people across the UK."
Imogen Halls, Project Lead for Health and Wellbeing at GM Moving, said:
“We’ve been really proud to, once again, join forces with health services in Trafford for another ‘parkrun takeover’ event to mark the NHS birthday, and celebrate the joy of moving your body, getting outside, and connecting with others.
“It was brilliant to speak to a range of people who benefit from getting involved in parkrun in whatever way suits them, really emphasising that there is something here for everyone. One in four people are more likely to be active if recommended by a health and care professional, so we’d love to support more health services across Greater Manchester get involved in community activities that focus on improving physical and mental health through movement and connection.”
Hundreds of parkrun events take place across the UK every Saturday morning. parkrun is a free community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. It is positive, welcoming and inclusive, with no time limit and no one finishing last. Everyone is welcome to come along. You can find your local event on the parkrun website.
The benefits of getting outside, exercising and being part of the community for both physical and mental health are well known. Trafford Talking Therapies and Sale PCN are keen to encourage their service users to attend their local parkrun because of the huge wellbeing benefits that it can offer.
Trafford Talking Therapies is an NHS service, run by Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH).
It is available to the 30,000+ Trafford residents estimated to be currently suffering with an anxiety or depression related problem. It is available, free of charge, to anyone over the age of 16 years, who has a Trafford GP.
The service offers a range of different options matched to the types of problem experienced and the preferences of the person seeking help. Both video and face-to-face appointments, at a range of venues across Trafford, are available.
The therapies on offer are research-backed and proven to work, with over 75% of people reporting a significant, life-improving reduction in symptoms; and over 50% reporting that they have fully recovered from their problems. Waiting times are short, with the majority of people referred starting therapy within 12 weeks.
To find out more about Talking Therapies at GMMH, you can watch this informational video.
To access Trafford Talking Therapies, you can self-refer by visiting www.gmmh.nhs.uk/trafford-talking-therapies or speak with your GP.
To find your local Talking Therapies service, visit www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-service
