Wokingham Borough Connect
 New running groups offer safe and supportive space
Free weekly running groups have launched thanks to funding from My Journey Wokingham and Places Leisure.
Running Places is a new initiative from Places Leisure, which has run the borough’s six leisure centres since 2018. It involves providing a safe space for people aged 16 and over to build their confidence and fitness in a supportive environment.
A women's only session, funded by My Journey, runs on Tuesdays from 9.30am to 10.30am and a mixed gender group, which started thanks to match funding from Places Leisure, is held on Wednesdays from 7.30am to 8.30am.
All events start and end at the Carnival Hub in Wokingham, with the option to follow a 3km or 5km route. You can also get a discount on refreshments at the café at Wokingham Leisure Centre after a session.
 Four routes to test your pedal power at bikeathon
The Wokingham Bikeathon is back, returning to Cantley Park on Sunday 23 June. It is a fun and relaxed way to enjoy cycling on quieter roads and is open to adults and children.
This year, there are four routes to choose from:
- 15 miles - A loop north of Wokingham, taking in beautiful countryside, which is perfect for families and those new to cycling
- 25 miles - A stepping stone up from the short route, also taking in a loop north of Wokingham
- 35 miles - The popular long route from 2019 is back and unchanged. This route is ideal for people who have been building up their cycling distance
- 51 miles - A new addition for 2024 following many requests for an extra long route. Takes in parts of South Oxfordshire and heads towards Bracknell before finishing in Wokingham
Entries close at 12 noon on Thursday 20 June. Children under the age of 12 can take part for free, while entry for children aged 12 to 17 is £5 or free with a paying adult. The adult price is £20 and there is an optional sustainable medal for £3.
 Build confidence and self-esteem at sports sessions
Sport in Mind provides sport and physical activity opportunities for children and young people to help build confidence and self-esteem.
These are free to attend and are a great way to meet new people and support low mood.
Sessions are running at:
- St Crispin's Leisure Centre, Wokingham - Badminton and table tennis, Mondays from 5pm to 6pm, suitable for children aged 13 to 16
- Bulmershe Leisure Centre, Woodley - Sports and games, Tuesdays from 5pm to 6pm, suitable for children aged 10 to 14
- Wokingham Leisure Centre - Sports and games, Thursdays from 4pm to 5pm, suitable for children aged 10 to 14
You can find out more about the activities run by Sport in Mind online and if you want to know more, send them an email.
 How to enjoy warm weather responsibly this summer
Hot weather is something many people look forward to, but it is worth remembering that warm spells can pose health risks to some people.
It is important to protect yourself and others from too much sun or heat, to carry water when travelling and to think of those, such as young children or older people, who may not cope as well in the heat.
There are lots of top tips for coping with hot weather on the NHS website.
Spending too long out in the sun can cause heatstroke, so plan regular breaks, stay hydrated and find shade. You should also be sure to apply sun cream and remember the importance of water safety.
 One-to-one support to help improve your mental health
Supported self-help can make a positive difference to your mental health.
Run by the mental health charity Mind, it is a free guided programme that works with you, to support you to recognise and understand your emotions.
Over six weeks, you will receive information, resources and regular phone calls to help improve how you feel.
You don't need a GP referral to sign up for supported self-help. Visit the Mind website to find out more.
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