How Northumberland park runners can help in domestic abuse fight

Runners will get the chance to support the fight against domestic abuse at events this weekend.

Northumberland County Council will be using five local parkrun events to raise awareness of violence against women and girls and help victims seek help. The council is inviting runners to sign up for the parkruns and to wear the campaign colour of orange, which represents a brighter future.

Specially-trained run marshals will also be on hand at the events to signpost people to support services.

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The parkrun takeover will mark the start of a programme of activities taking place as part of the United Nation's 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence.

The parkruns taking part on Saturday are; Blyth Links parkrun, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea parkrun, Tyne Green parkrun, in Hexham, Carlisle Park parkrun, in Morpeth, and Druridge Bay parkrun. Hundreds of people supported a similar parkrun campaign last year.

Coun Wendy Pattison, Cabinet member for Caring for Adults, said: “We want Northumberland to be a safe place for everyone. It was fantastic to see so many people get involved with the campaign last year and we hope even more will join us this year and pledge action whether that be in your home, workplace or community.”

The United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, known as White Ribbon Day, and runs until December 10, Human Rights Day.

As a White Ribbon accredited organization, the council will fly the White Ribbon flag outside County Hall in Morpeth for the 16 days.

This year, the White Ribbon campaign message is: “it starts with men” and calls for men to hold themselves accountable to women, and to each other, to affect positive behaviour change to transform harmful cultures.

Teams from the council, its partners, and community volunteers will be marshalling the parkrun routes.

The marshals will be on hand to raise awareness about Northumberland’s Integrated Domestic Abuse Support Service which is provided by Harbour, NDAS, Acorns and Cygnus Support, along with regional services Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland (RCTN) and Findaway.

They will also be inviting people to sign up to become White Ribbon ambassadors and champions to help end violence against women and girls. Among the volunteer marshals are Young Leaders from Bedlington-based youth provider Leading Link.

The charity’s team of Young Leaders give up their spare time to run community activities for other young people.

As well as marshalling on the day, they are also taking part in sessions to talk about issues related to White Ribbon, violence against women and girls, any gender -based violence and the role everyone can play in bringing about culture change.

Chris Johnson, operations manager at Leading Link, said: “Our young leaders are delighted to be involved once again in these parkrun takeovers and to help raise awareness of what everyone can do to help end domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.

"Their enthusiasm and passion to get involved in the local community is the power behind Leading Link and we’re very proud of the role they play in supporting and inspiring other young people in our communities.”