The Bridlington Echo is helping – though on-line articles – to overcome the stigma of mental health issues. To mark Mental Health Awareness Week we will feature clubs, groups, individuals and resources who tell their story. We will feature a case study every day this week in the hope it gives the message that help is available…
Day 2. Bridlington Mental Health Mates.
Founded in 2016, Mental Health Mates is a network of peer support groups online, run by people who experience their own mental health issues, meeting regularly to walk, connect and share without fear or judgement.
The Bridlington group was set up last year by Laura Burnhill and the next walk planned will be this Saturday (14 May), starting from the promenade opposite the Expanse Hotel on North Marine Drive at 11.am.
Local organiser Laura said: “So far I have organised several walks. It is purely peer support (I am not a trained professional), also I do this completely voluntary.”
“I registered as a walk leader and organise this in my own time around my full-time job at East Riding of Yorkshire Council and my family. I decided to become a walk leader as I suffer and have suffered for around ten years with mental health illnesses.” continued Laura.
Mental Health Mates is a network of peer support groups run by people with mental health issues, who meet regularly to walk, connect and exercise and share without fear or judgement. You do not have to have a diagnosed mental health issue to join the meet-ups. The motto for the group is ‘everyone has mental health and MHM is here for everyone’.
With Walks across the United Kingdom, Mental Health Mates has become a thriving community that only continues to grow.
We know, from personal experience, that mental illness magnifies through isolation. So whether it is talking to someone, sharing with them or simply walking beside them, we believe that getting connected is the first steps to recovery.
Mental Health Mates will happily welcome participants who would like a walk along with the group and leaders will provide support and a safe space to meet and talk without any fear or judgement.
For further details contact: mhm_bridlington@outlook.com.
