I signed up for the weekend with Mind Over Mountains through work, and the idea sounded great - getting out there in nature, getting some exercise in, and talking to like-minded people in new and beautiful surroundings. It felt like a chance to learn more skills to help me deal with the anxiety I'd been experiencing.

Before the weekend, I felt apprehensive. I’d been worried about not knowing anybody and being misunderstood if I opened up. As soon as I got there though, I realised everyone was on a similar level and I knew it was going to be a good weekend - for my mental health and for genuine enjoyment too.

Usually, I’m addicted to my phone. But while I was there, the only time I had my phone on me was on the walks so I could take pictures. For me, it was a sense of being in the moment, being in nature, everybody being on the same page. We weren't kept to a timetable, and we could talk to each other whenever we wanted, which was really nice.

Being out in nature in an environment like that is incredible. Previous counselling sessions hadn't always worked for me but with Mind Over Mountains, being where we were, it just completely takes you away. It doesn't feel like a clinical environment. You’re just out in nature. You’re on the side of a hill. It allows things to happen organically, more naturally. You have the whole weekend, and that gives the opportunity for those that can’t open up easily, which is fantastic.

One thing I know: being outdoors is amazing for my mental health. Just being aware of how it made me feel, being out in nature and taking that time - it's been so positive that I've joined The Travel Squad. They do weekends away and it's not a mental health thing, but it's still getting back out into that environment, going camping, going for walks; being out in that sort of environment again has definitely stuck with me. 

You can do what you want - and what you need - to do whilst you’re in nature. You don't have to worry about work, bills, energy prices, fuel prices. You don't have to worry about all the stresses, worries and responsibilities you've got at home. You can just enjoy being out, wherever you are.

Mind Over Mountains is an incredible charity with incredible people. I genuinely walked away with the belief that it was the best weekend of my life - and I still believe that. It was incredible to be able to open up without judgement. You don't need to worry about what people think of you. Just think about yourself, concentrate on yourself, recharge and make sure you’re ok.

It’s an amazing opportunity to be out in nature with amazing people, with the chance to just relax, release, unload what you need to unload and think about yourself in a completely selfless way. We’re all still in contact via a group chat and trying to sort out meeting up for walks. But if I want to talk, I don’t have to wait until we have something planned, I can just reach out.