Walking support group Mental Health Mates finally comes to Sheffield, providing a support network for those struggling and wanting a breath of fresh air.
Mental Health mates is a national movement founded in 2016 which allows those who are struggling to go on organised walks with others who could be feeling the same.
Despite there being over 120 walking groups (according to the Mental Health Mates website), before December 2022 there were no Mental Health Mate group walks in Sheffield.
This prompted Jane Pitcher, 48, to create the first one in Sheffield.
She said: “I found myself struggling because everything that could have hit me in the past few years has hit me. Bereavements, I lost my job, and friendships ended after a very stable, happy and content life.
“When things like that happen, I deal with it by helping others. That’s why I started the walking group.”
Whilst the leaders of each walk may have their own struggles, the main aim of the walk is to give each other peer support.
Jane Pitcher said: “I believe the Mental Health Mates walks can feel easier to join than a ‘sitting and talking’ group. We have a code of conduct which encourages everyone to be respectful and understanding as to whether people want to talk or just want to walk quietly.”
The newly formed Sheffield Mental Health mates group was officially formed in December 2022 and the walks themselves take place every month in Endcliffe park.
Ms Pitcher said: “Getting outside really helps me every single time so with the group i know how hard it is to step a foot outside the door but once you are out you know you can feel the benefits so i am really trying to make the groups feel accessible and know that i will accommodate them even if they just need that extra help to get out the door.”
The walks do not claim to be a replacement to therapy or counselling but purely a chance to get out in the open and spend time with likeminded people.
Ms Pitcher said: “Mental health is not taken as seriously as physical health and it needs to be taken more seriously but it’s still a hard thing to admit and I feel like starting the walks was a very simple and easy way to help.”