Health / walking
Making mates and supporting each others’ mental health
In 2016, Bryony Gordon invited others to join her for a walk around the Serpentine in London. What started as a simple stroll became Mental Health Mates (MHM), a UK-wide peer support network.
Three years later, Rachel began her own group in Bristol. Meeting each month, MHM is a way for people to talk about their mental health without the fear of judgement, and also experience the great outdoors.
After 12 months of having to host the monthly meetups via Zoom, Rachel is bringing in-person walks back to Bristol.
is needed now More than ever
As a peer support group, run by people with mental health issues, MHM aims to be a “healing environment” as opposed to a form of therapy.
“MHM is a very relaxed group and we are here for everyone,” says Rachel, who is 35.
“You don’t have to have a diagnosed mental health issue to join our walks. Everyone’s experience of helping someone with a mental health issue or dealing with their own health, matters. Our walks are for everyone.”
Rachel started MHM Bristol as the network grew throughout the UK after feeling a connection with MHM’s founder, Bryony. Having read her book, Eat Drink Run, Rachel, who has lived in the city for most of her life, felt she also wanted to end the stigma against mental health.
“I have OCD and always felt I had to hide that side of me or apologise for it,” she says. “However after reading Bryony Gordon’s book, Eat Drink Run, in which she explains why she founded MHM I realised that there truly is no such thing as normal.
“I realised that having OCD is just a part of me and trying to hide it just makes it worse. Anyone can experience a mental health issue and talking and connecting breaks down that first barrier.”
Rachel founded the Bristol group in 2019. Photo: Mental Health Mates Bristol
Normally, those wanting to take part in a walk can just come to the meeting place of the month. However, due to ongoing pandemic restrictions, people need to get in touch with Rachel in advance.
The next meetup is due to take place on Friday, April 30 and will last between 35 and 60 minutes. It will start from the Downs cafe.
“Whether it’s talking to someone, sharing a story or simply walking beside them in silence, we believe getting connected is so important,” Rachel says.
“I love the conversations that we have each month. Last meeting we talked about films and the power of music. Sometimes we talk about coping strategies and other times we discuss how we are dealing with our mental issues.
“The group is made up of a range of ages and backgrounds and I feel this brings more of a family vibe. We all listen and support each other.”
Main photo: Mental Health Mates Bristol
Read more: The Radical Resilience Project: ‘What we do is not being done like this anywhere else’
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
