THE streets of Barrow are set to welcome runners of all ability in the town’s newest running festival which champions better mental health.

This October The Love Barrow Running Festival is making its debut, with hundreds of runners set to take on the course while promoting positive mental health.

The festival includes options for all from a ‘Mental Health Fun Run Mile’ to a 10km Road Race, all starting from Barrow Town Hall.

In an effort to help raise awareness for Suicide Prevention, The Running Festival have teamed up with the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) to bring #BeWellFest: ‘The Lost Art of Living’ to the day.

Councillor Kevin Hamilton said: “We’re really looking forward the event, we want to create more sporting events for all in the town. Not only do these events bring visitors but it also creates a positive atmosphere in the borough.”

The #BeWellFest will feature a host of activities including yoga, arts an crafts, zumba, face-painting and more.

The main focus of the event will be about promoting and maintaining positive mental health.

There will also be a free workshop for parents and carers where they can learn how to recognize the signs of those battling with suicidal thoughts.

Emma Broadbent, a community development officer at Cumbria County Council said: “#BeWellfest will promote good mental health; focussing on strategies to help improve people’s mental health with an emphasis on prevention.

The running festival takes place in the town centre on Sunday October 6. Visit here to sign up: www.lifeleisurebarrowpark.com/love-barrow-running-festival.

The running festival coincides with The Mail’s Time to Talk Campaign. The campaign aims to shed the light on the fact some men are keeping their problems bottled up leading to tragic consequences.

The Mail wants to encourage a more open dialogue about mental health and help remove the stigma surrounding asking for help.