Day out in Whitby – by Ian
What a cracking day we chose to head to Whitby for the day, with Mind in Harrogate District!! Including our designated driver for the trip, Jan, thirteen intrepid souls gathered at the Acorn Centre in a wide variety of outfits, some more suitable than others for the calm, sunny and warm conditions.
The date? Friday the 13th, no less. Yet the weather was exceptionally kind to us, the minibus journey was drama free, the fish and chips lunch was spot on and the good-natured banter and conversation, as we strolled around the town and its seafront, was second to none.
Only one incident threatened to put a dampener – quite literally – on the general bonhomie and positive ambience. The unintentional backwards roll of the minibus (minus the driver) towards the murky depths of the harbour waters adjacent to the car park, was arrested only by the heroic actions of our leader for the day, Nige, who succeeded in applying the handbrake, before it was too late, by launching himself through the front seat passenger door!
Great day all round and a huge shout out, for both Nige Harrison and volunteer Caroline, for making the trip so enjoyable and for keeping us safe, if a little on the sunburnt side!!
As well as the fun and camaraderie, trips like this one provide a tangible boost to my mental health and overall sense of wellbeing. Simply the act of getting out of my usual environment, visiting different locations and experiencing fellowship with, and support from, the others in the group all amount to an uplift in energy, positivity and mood.
Mind in Harrogate District offers a range of wellbeing groups across the week, more details can be found: Wellbeing Groups in Harrogate – Harrogate Mind
