I came across Mind Over Mountains via a Facebook group at a time when I was looking for something that would make me feel different - a connection.  

I was apprehensive about having to share things that I didn't feel comfortable about, but the prep beforehand was so nice in terms of helping people feel reassured. There was a real sense of, we're here for you, we'll go at your pace. It doesn't matter if you can't run up like a mountain goat, we'll look after you.

I didn't really share very much on that first walk, but that was ok, because that's where I was at that time. The pace is so relaxed - it's a really good way of exploring, and talking about what you might need, without judgement. The idea that it’s a walk - it doesn't fix things, it doesn't have all the answers but it's a good starting point, and if you still don't know at the end of it, it doesn't really matter.

For me, Mind Over Mountains has been such an amazing, important part of my recovery. Before the walk, I was having therapy, and I was on medication. I felt like I couldn't feel joy. Illness had completely knocked me off my path, and I was lost. I wanted to reconnect with nature, and with people, so it was reassuring for me to just talk to others. We were all having to overcome something that we didn't think we were going to have to overcome. And that's what connected us, and that's what brought us together.

Unlike other organisations, Mind Over Mountains listens to the individual. The conversations can be completely different from one walk to the next, because it's about that group of individuals and not about what you’re assuming someone is going through. It's about sustaining mental wellbeing and resilience. You don't need to have a diagnosis, or a problem to come and get something from a walk. It allows you to identify as an individual, not a problem.

Since my walk with Mind Over Mountains, I’ve not only stayed active, but I’ve come to accept my illness too. Really accepting it and being honest about it, and talking to other people about it, has been huge because I'm a private person. I also signed up for the charity fundraiser!

The mindfulness has also been helpful. I'd completely forgotten to notice what's in front of me. Now, when I'm getting really stressed, I can just focus on the now, and just keep putting one foot in front of the other. I'd got so worried about the next step that I’d stopped moving. Being able to pause for a moment to visualise myself in the future is a really powerful visual tool that I will take with me forever.

Mind Over Mountains is a wonderful group of people that have created a space that - despite moving around the country - keeps its roots, its boundaries, and its culture, intact. Being in beautiful places, listening, and talking allows you to feel open for anything. It's the least threatening way of helping someone with their mental health issues, because the best way to help people isn't always face to face in a room. It can also be walking side by side. And the people at Mind Over Mountains walk with you.

Reconnecting with nature, connecting with others has been amazing. And I didn’t realise how fun it would be! When you’re on the mountain, all you can hear is people laughing, because you're sharing things - even difficult things - but you find humour in it, so it's not hard work. It's the most fun and beautiful self-care adventure you could fit in a day.