Mental Health Mates Leeds is part of a growing national (and international) network of peer support groups run by people with mental health issues, they meet regularly to walk, talk and share with others, without fear of judgement. It is based on the premise that mental health issues can be magnified in isolation and promotes the message ‘Helping you find your we. Because you are not alone.’
Mental Health Mates itself was founded in 2016 by journalist/author Bryony Gordon, who has been publicly open about her mental health struggles, including OCD, documenting her experiences in her books.
Our lovely Roundhay Park is the usual backdrops for the walks. During the first lockdown, the meet-ups went online which widened the community further and enabled people from outside Leeds and beyond, to join in. The online meets have been a great way for people to connect and these still continue on a monthly-basis.
However, you can’t quite beat a real-life meet up with everyone together in the fresh air, surrounded by lovely nature.
"I’ll never forget the first time I came to a meet-up as a member, back in 2017. Hearing that someone else was experiencing something similar to me brought huge relief and hope for my future. It really did make me feel less alone and I guess that day was pretty life-changing. Mental Health Mates Leeds provides a healing environment - a safe space and the opportunity to connect with others - but it is not therapy and there are no professionals involved. You do not have to have a diagnosed mental health condition to join in - this group is here for everyone. It really is peer support at its finest and I’ve seen people thrive and make some good friends within the group. It’s our lovely members that make is so special and I’m incredibly proud to be involved. Remember, you are not alone. Find Your We - Join us "
For the Zoom details, to confirm a place on a walk or just to say hello, contact Michelle:
[email protected]
- Drop me an email – [email protected] – if you give permission, I will add your email address to a mailing list to keep you up to date with future activities
- Follow us Instagram – @mentalhealthmatesleeds
- Join the private Facebook group ‘Mental Health Mates’ – this is a national group
- There is also www.mentalhealthmates.co.uk – where more information can be found, including all walk/talk activity. Here you can also subscribe to general ‘Mental Health Mates’ newsletter and events emails – such as MHM @ Home, which are monthly webinars (interactive) hosted by Bryony Gordon on a topic around mental health.
