Our Services
Specialists in supporting complex needs
Our core role is delivering running coaching and youthwork through inclusive sessions available throughout the week. Alongside our practical development support, we also offer a variety of wellbeing activities. We provide all our programmes at no cost to our partner organisations or the young people in our care.
We partner and support other front line-services
Our small team has over 90 years of experience working for and with specialist young people’s and homelessness services. We work across the sector and connect appropriate organisations or those in need with external health and social services.
A deep understanding of our partners’ work enables The Running Charity to work collaboratively and productively to address gaps in provision, support existing wraparound services, increase capacity and maximise the outcomes our young people need.
This experience, alongside our commitment to providing all our services free of charge, make The Running Charity a valuable partner.
A deep understanding of our partners’ work enables The Running Charity to work collaboratively and productively to address gaps in provision, support existing wraparound services, increase capacity and maximise the outcomes our young people need.
This experience, alongside our commitment to providing all our services free of charge, make The Running Charity a valuable partner.
We offer 1:1 coaching, bespoke support and access to counselling
In most cases, young people start with us on a 1:1 basis with our full-time coaches. As they witness our commitment to their goals, and their trust and confidence increases, we can begin to widen the service we provide. From advocacy to counselling, our coaches are here to listen, collaborate and empower.
Our codesigned services, coupled with the lived experiences of our coaches and staff, ensure our delivery model enables specialist provision in a mixed service.
Our commitment is not time-based, it is non-judgmental, and young people can access our services in a way that works for them and the situations they are experiencing.
Our approach has been supported by peer-reviewed independent research.
Our codesigned services, coupled with the lived experiences of our coaches and staff, ensure our delivery model enables specialist provision in a mixed service.
Our commitment is not time-based, it is non-judgmental, and young people can access our services in a way that works for them and the situations they are experiencing.
Our approach has been supported by peer-reviewed independent research.
We provide meaningful volunteering for runners
To add further depth and range to our service, we train and support runners to become volunteer Mentors. Acting as running buddies, our Mentors work in unison with our full-time coaches. Together, they offer young people the chance to continue their running journey, build their communication skills and receive the support they need to achieve their goals.
We reduce isolation and create community with our group runs
All our cities offer a range of evening and weekend group sessions. Bringing together a diverse group of young people who share many collective experiences, we support each other, champion each other’s successes, and help navigate life’s invisible walls.
We create pathways to employment within the charity
At The Running Charity, we have a commitment to recruiting young people from our services. In London, 75% of the full-time team are from our programmes. By providing them with the necessary skills, graduates of our programmes can become invaluable assets, passing on their first-hand knowledge to others.
We provide specialist services
Although many of the young people that are part of our programmes have many shared experiences it’s also important to recognise that many groups of young people require different approaches and different spaces to thrive and feel safe.
Its important that as an organisational commitment to creating programmes that have a understanding of the lived experience of women, LGBTQ+ communities, refugees and asylum seekers, young people who are fleeing gang violence and people from care backgrounds. Much of our work is led by people from these communities or backgrounds.
Its important that as an organisational commitment to creating programmes that have a understanding of the lived experience of women, LGBTQ+ communities, refugees and asylum seekers, young people who are fleeing gang violence and people from care backgrounds. Much of our work is led by people from these communities or backgrounds.
Women’s Programme
The experience of homelessness can be different for women. They are often less visible on the streets. And they are more likely to be the victims of trauma and abuse, both before and during homelessness. While we are proud to have a near-50/50 gender split across all our participants, we created our specialist women’s programme to recognise and champion these unique support needs.
I think I might benefit
We are happy you’ve found us. Is running or walking with us something you think you’d enjoy? Even if you’re not that into running, maybe being part of our community may help? We have a lot to offer, and running is just the start of it. Please take that extra step and reach out. We are here for you.
Make a referral
Do you know a young person who would benefit from our support? Whether it’s from an organisation or just a friend, we are always open to new referrals. We will do our best to support them.
