Parkrun roll out support packs to help people with confidence issues take part

Parkrun support packs are set to be rolled out after a study found half of people with accessibility needs lack confidence to take part alone.

Research by Specsavers claims 54% of those with additional needs would attend Parkrun if they didn't face inaccessible information, uncertainty around support, or navigation concerns. It also found more than two thirds (67%) of them are likely to want to be more physically active, so a new partnership between Specsavers and Parkrun is keen to help.

The two organisations have launched the StartLine Initiative, a new nationwide programme designed to remove some of the practical and emotional barriers that stop people taking part in Parkrun. Specsavers research of 2,000 people said 49% of people with accessibility needs want to attend Parkrun more often but lack the confidence to go alone. Even 74% say feeling welcomed and supported is just as important to their wellbeing as the physical exercise itself.

Following a successful pilot at selected parkrun events, Specsavers and Parkrun are beginning the rollout of 100 StartLine Packs to participating events across the UK. The packs are said to be providing practical tools and resources to help event teams support people with accessibility needs and create even more welcoming experiences.

This includes visibility aids such as high-visibility bibs displaying 'Please give me space' and step-up boxes for volunteers. It also hopes to provide navigation support through large, laminated course maps highlighting the route, start point, parking, toilets and other facilities.

A3 whiteboards will also be given out for welcoming first-timers and explaining event information in accessible ways. To support participants who are blind or partially sighted guide tethers will be provided to use with a guide.

The rollout of StartLine Packs to participating parkrun events will begin later this year. Alongside the packs, a new StartLine Hub will provide participants, organisers and volunteers with accessible information ahead of event day.

This aims to help people understand what to expect, discover available support and feel more confident about attending their local parkrun.

Specsavers has partnered with Jodie Ounsley, who was the first deaf female England rugby player, to launch a short film. It features three people whose experiences at varying stages of their parkrun journey demonstrate the difference practical support can make.

Jodie Ounsley said: "Getting to the start line can often feel like the hardest part. What I love about this initiative is that it's focused on making people feel welcome before they have even taken their first step.

"Everyone deserves to experience the physical and mental benefits that come from being a part of the parkrun community and the StartLine Initiative helps make that possible."

Fiona, who has a hearing impairment, said: "I'd thought about going along to parkrun so many times but the idea of turning up somewhere new on my own always stopped me.

"Knowing there's a pack that talks you through what to expect and that extra support is available makes it feel possible in ways it didn't before.