Renew counsellor Scott to take part in the Vitality 10k Run for Renew Counselling and Training
With a 10K route taking in many of the capital’s most iconic landmarks – culminating with a finish in front of Buckingham Palace – we’re thrilled to have another team of runners taking part of the Vitality London 10,000 on behalf of Renew.
Scott, a counsellor at Renew, is one of the runners running for Renew at the Vitality 10k, and we were delighted to find out a bit more about him and why he supports our work.
Can you tell us a bit about your connection to Renew/career path up to now?
I started my counselling placement with Renew back in 2019, and have been here ever since! After my placement, I volunteered for a while, then started working with clients dealing with homelessness, then with other adults. I did some extra training to work with young people, so I’m now working with that age group too.
Why did you choose to become a counsellor?
A friend of mine had gone to see a counsellor after a tough period in his life, and found it really helpful. That planted the seed. After having some counselling myself, I was interested in finding out more. At the time, I was working for my church going into schools and supporting young people, and I felt counselling would really help me with that. I decided to give the initial counselling training (a Level 2 course) a go at a local college, and enjoyed it, so I kept going!
Have you taken part in many runs like this one? How did you get into running?
I’ve done a few 10k runs over the past few years, some local, some in London. The distance is a challenge but one I know I can do. I’ve always been into sport, and I used to go running now and then at university. A number of years ago, my church organised a charity run, and I did quite well in it. After that I began getting into Parkrun, which has really kept me running up until now.
Why is running to raise money for more mental health support important to you?
I have seen firsthand how counselling can make such a difference in someone’s life. Not only for me, but for other people too. I know this money will mean more people will be able to get the help and support that they need.
Why should people donate?
Because even a small amount can make a difference. £5 or £10 can help make a counselling session affordable for someone, or go towards training more counsellors for the local area, or help fund an in-school counsellor.
How have you found training for the 10k so far?
So far, so good! I’ve actually created a training plan for the first time, and I’m keeping to it. At the moment, I am feeling pretty confident with my training and hoping I don’t pick up any injuries.
What’s the first thing you’ll do when you finish the race?
I think I’ll go out for a tasty meal somewhere, and replace all those calories I’ve burnt off!
