Mind Harrogate – Wednesday Walking Group

When I first contacted Harrogate Mind I wasn’t getting support from any services but desperately needed to connect with other people who would understand what I was going through.

After my initial chat it was suggested that I might like to try the walking group. I’d always taken part in outdoor competitive sports so joining a walking group wouldn’t have occurred to me but I wasn’t keen on attending groups that were in the centre as I felt anxious about walking into a new building and a room full of people who I didn’t know. So I joined the Wednesday Walking Group and what started as a bunch of strangers who I tentatively approached outside the library four years ago is now an army of friends who do understand what I go through and who I can rely on. I’ve learnt a lot from my walking group mates, not just how to help my own mental health but also how to listen to others effectively.

Sometimes I chat, sometimes I just listen and walk alongside the others. There is never any pressure either way. I enjoy the outdoors and the exercise but the highlights of each walk for me (apart from the fruit flapjack at the cafe) are the ‘hello’ smiles when we meet and when we have all come together and made a difference to someone who has been struggling. Added to the mental health support is how being out walking in the fresh air and nature helps.

We are lucky to live in a town that has beautiful parks and woods. We always take routes that are accessible, we walk at a pace that suits everyone and even make sure we factor in toilet stops along the route! It’s active and interactive; when you’re walking side by side you have really good conversations that feel easier than when you are face to face. Silences don’t need filling when you’ve got nature to look at all around you. It’s easier to move around and talk to different people as you walk. The staff and volunteers that run the walk have got to know every one of us and will always check in and give us a bit of extra care and chat when we need it. I always feel safe and well looked after. They make every effort to understand any difficulties we are having and will help us in any way they can. We meet whatever the weather and if we are really beaten by snow storms, floods or ice then we still go for a cuppa.

You don’t need any special kit, although if someone turns up in new trainers they’ll always be admired! We finish our walk at a local cafe where we can carry on chatting. Usually there’s a bit of banter about football teams, sharing of good movies, discussions about which supermarket does the best quiche or reminiscing of favourite childhood chocolate bars but if someone still wants to talk about any problems we’re still there to listen. We’re good at celebrating each other’s achievements; it might be how much further someone has walked that day or it might be that someone who struggles to go on the bus on their own has done so. How we are feeling mentally is another thing that comes naturally into the conversation. We’re lucky to have a big group of people, many of whom now attend regularly. Anyone new is always welcomed and hopefully will feel part of the group by the end of their first walk.

I’ve met different people who I wouldn’t have met through any other part of my life and everyone of them has enriched it. Lots of friendships have been made and many of us also meet up outside of the group for a coffee or a walk. We’ve also encouraged each other to take part in other groups run by Mind that we enjoy. Every time we gain someone new it feels like our unit is strengthened. Our walking army is on a mission to help each other navigate our ups and downs, has the strength to support each other whatever we are going through and is winning at getting us through each week until we meet again. Walking group is a regular commitment and part of my weekly routine. I always leave the group feeling better and I always look forward to the next one.

It’s not just a walking group,  it’s a group of friends who I go walking with.