On Wednesday 10th October, four teams of walkers set out on their mission to Walk for Mental Health. The routes covered during the day included:

  • Fowey to Polkerris
  • Mousehole to Longrock
  • Newquay to Mawgan Porth
  • Padstow to Trevone

The pictures are from the Newquay town centre to Mawgan Porth route that took us across the Coastline along the cliff tops of Newquay. The breathe taking views allowed for a chance to capture Cornwall in all its glory through the sunshine, wind and slight drizzle – which is always expected in Cornwall.

Members on our walk for Mental health included members of staff and participants from Pentreath, Addaction, Pluss, community makers from Volunteer Cornwall and volunteers from the Samaritan’s listening service based in Truro.

With the sounds of the waves crashing below, the group of approximately 30 walkers chattered along the way discussing topics such as horticultural therapies, opportunities to volunteer with the Sarmatians listening service, fears and phobia’s, personal mental health experiences and reflection on the progress made along the way. There was also lots humour, light jokes and even some singing. The walk, although long and with different terrains, provided a very enjoyable day highlighting the need to have a great support network around you.

The team armed with chalk, creative minds and a chalkboard left positive messages and little stones of hope along the way for other coastal path users to make them smile on their journey. Equipped with a small amount of tools and resources, you really can make a difference to the lives of others.

Not only did the walk encourage staff to connect and talk with like-minded people, one staff member walked 19,069 steps which is approximately 15,000 more than their average step count. Walking is a great way to be active, connect with the environment, a little gentle competitive rivalry to see who can walk the most steps, take time to reflect and is very beneficial to health and wellbeing.

Cake was in sight as the walking teams neared the end of their routes. The motivation was spurred on by coffee and cake being served at the Bedruthan Steps Hotel for the ‘After Party’ to celebrate the success of all the walkers. Teams took part in the Big Cornish quiz with many questioning their Cornish citizenship – the questions were thought provoking and provided great topics for discussion.

The reality of the day hit home when a young lady sang a very moving song and moved some of the crowd to tears. So much so that some of the crowd gave her a standing ovation for her beautiful tribute to her brother. The young lady explained how she had been personally affected by suicide and the affects this has had on her family. This young lady now is an advocate and is raising awareness of her story and mental health
within her schools.

Another individual told of their personal journey and the support that Pentreath had provided them to enable them to conquer their fears of the outside world. This individuals confidence has blossomed since working in partnership with Pentreath and gained back their independence.

A huge well done to all of those walkers that got out in the Cornish climate and tackled the coastlines to Walk for Mental Health. Also to our partners at Pentreath for organising such an enjoyable and well planned day.