Community-based physical activity and mental wellbeing; a case study of parkrun

Across the world every Saturday morning tens of thousands of people run, walk, or volunteer, at parkrun events. Over 6 million people have registered and taken part in parkrun since the first 5km event in 2004. The physical and psychological aspects of parkrun events are believed to improve health and wellbeing and there is a growing body of evidence to support this belief. Allison's PhD will investigate how participation in parkrun can impact mental wellbeing.

Outside of her PhD, Allison is a specialist mental health pharmacist in an adult acute mental health unit. Her role involves working as part of a multidisciplinary team to improve the mental health and wellbeing of people with diagnosed mental health difficulties such as schizophrenia and depression. Allison holds a BPharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy), MSc (Psychiatric Pharmacy Practice) and MA (Health Promotion).

She is a keen amateur singer, having sung with classical and contemporary choirs as well as performing in musical theatre. The highlight of her singing career was performing in the Sound of Music in 2018.

Research output

Dunne, A. Haake, S, Quirk, H, Bullas, A. (2020). "Can access to green spaces during parkrun events contribute to the positive mental health of the participants? A literature review." Conference presentation. 24th Annual Health Promotion Conference, 18th June 2020. Promoting health and wellbeing: creating a more equitable and sustainable environment.